TSEA is aware that some state positions are affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Employees in those positions have already been notified, with many placed in furlough status.
If you were furloughed, it is because your position is federally funded, and that funding is currently unavailable. This is not disciplinary, and it does not affect your eligibility to return to work with the State of Tennessee once funding is restored.
The state’s communication about the ongoing federal shutdown includes these key points for furloughed employees to keep in mind:
- If notified, you will not report to work or perform any duties on behalf of the Department.
- You are not permitted to volunteer your time or services.
- You may not use paid leave, and any previously approved leave is hereby canceled.
The length of the furlough is unknown. Once lifted, affected employees will be notified of their return-to-work date and should plan to return on their next regularly scheduled workday after notification.
If you have questions, you can contact TSEA at 615-256-4533 or 800-251-8732, or email us at [email protected].
Below, for additional reference, we’ve included the state’s FAQ that was distributed to furloughed employees.
Thank you for being a member of TSEA.
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FURLOUGH OF STATE EMPLOYEES – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How does the federal government shutdown affect state employees?
Generally, state employees will remain on duty. However, the lack of federal funding will affect some positions, and in those instances, state employees may be furloughed.
2. How do I know if I am one of the employees affected by the federal government shutdown?
Agencies will notify each employee in writing who is affected by the shutdown. These affected employees may be furloughed.
3. What is a furlough?
A furlough is a temporary non-duty leave without pay status because of a lack of work or funds.
4. What happens to employees during a furlough?
During a furlough, the agency will notify the employee in writing of the furlough, detailing the reasons for the furlough, in this case, lack of federal spending authorization. The notice will also indicate that advance notice was not possible due to the emergency requiring curtailment of agency operations. The written notice must provide the reason for the furlough, the expected duration of the furlough, the effective dates, and the basis for selecting the affected employees.
5. Does this mean I do not report to work?
Employees are not to report to work during the furlough. Furthermore, they may not perform any work on behalf of the agency during the leave without pay period, check emails, or return phone calls during this period.
6. Does a furlough affect the accrual of annual leave and sick leave?
If an employee is furloughed (i.e., placed in a leave without pay status) for part of a semi-monthly pay period, the employee’s leave accrual will generally not be affected for that pay period.
Most employees earn and accumulate annual and sick leave on the date of hire (i.e., the service anniversary date). However, service anniversary dates may be adjusted during gaps in paid employment as a state employee. This could impact the date on which an employee accumulates their accrued annual and sick leave.
7. Will the furlough affect my insurance benefits?
All employees currently on the state’s health insurance plan have health insurance coverage through the end of October, as plan premiums are paid the month prior. If it appears that the furlough will continue beyond October, your agency will discuss the options that you have for continuing your coverage.
8. Can I use annual leave instead?
No. All paid time off during a furlough is canceled.
9. Can I appeal a notice to furlough?
No. Appeals are limited to suspension, termination, or demotion.
10. How will I know when the furlough order will be lifted?
Your agency will make contact with you and let you know when to return to work.
11. May I take other employment while furloughed?
You will remain an employee of the State. Therefore, the rules pertaining to secondary employment will apply. Before engaging in outside employment, please consult your HR office.
12. Will I receive back pay for the time I was furloughed?
Congress will determine whether furloughed employees receive back pay for the furlough period.
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