Press Release: EPA Union Calls for Temporary Situational Telework Option as Legionella Outbreak Takes Place Across Federal Buildings

EPA Union Calls for Temporary Situational Telework Option as Legionella Outbreak Takes Place Across Federal Buildings  

In the past few weeks, multiple EPA buildings in D.C., Boston, Houston, and Chicago have tested positive for Legionella, a bacteria known for causing severe lung infections.

Marie Owens Powell, President of AFGE Council 238, which represents over 8,000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) workers nationwide, released the following statement:

“EPA employees work day in and day out to keep our communities safe from environmental hazards. The irony of legionella, along with lead and copper contamination, being found in EPA buildings across the country, is not lost on us. Legionella can become airborne and deadly. The General Services Administration (GSA) and EPA leadership have an obligation to address these serious health concerns. Expecting staff to come into the office and put themselves at risk of exposure is completely unacceptable. We have the ability and the technology to allow our workers to continue working safely from an alternate work location while the situation is being remediated. GSA and EPA leadership must immediately take appropriate action to protect workers, and the first step is to allow telework options until all offices are proven safe.”

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