Technology and infrastructure support

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Union agreements increasingly include provisions specifying the employer’s responsibility to provide the equipment, software, internet connectivity, and IT assistance needed for remote work. These provisions help ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively outside the traditional workplace, and that technical barriers do not become a source of inequity or performance issues. Some clauses also address responsibilities for equipment maintenance, the scope of technical support, and safety considerations for home visits.

Examples:

• The employer will supply the computer equipment, software, necessary supplies, and other tools required for an employee to perform their duties at the remote worksite. (NTEU-OPM127)
• If an employee lacks an internet connection necessary for performing assigned duties at the remote worksite, and if the budget allows, the Employer will provide internet access through employer-issued devices or services (e.g., wireless router or air card). (AFGE-OPM117)
• “In the case of a SW [Student worker] working remotely, the SW may request assistance from the HUIT Service Desk or from the local School IT help desk with regard to internet access in accordance with University procedures. The SW and the supervisor or employing department/unit shall discuss what particular University services, materials, and facilities necessary to carry out assigned duties the SW shall receive, at no cost to the SW, when working remotely.… Computer and printer equipment, when not otherwise available to the SW, may be provided after review on a case by case basis at the University’s discretion. Ownership of any equipment that may be provided to a SW working remotely remains with the University.” (UAW-OLMS36)
• “The Company will work with existing employees to enable them to meet WAH [Work-at-Home] requirements. Existing employees who are unable to meet WAH requirements because High-Speed Internet service and/or other technical requirements are not available at their residence (or other approved WAH location) will be accommodated by working from an assigned work location for so long as the requisite Internet service remains unavailable at the employee’s residence (or other approved WAH location). Monetary assistance will only be provided to the extent, if any, specifically provided for in these WAH provisions.” (CWA-PCBA47)
• “The Company, in partnership with the Union, will identify technical solutions and other technical enhancements to communicate and engage with employees [while working from home]. These new technologies and technical enhancements will be made available for both the Union and the Company.” (IAMAW-PCBA88)
• The Employer is responsible for maintenance and repair of employer-owned equipment. (AFGE-OPM117; PAACE-OPM25)
• The Employer should ensure sufficient IT support to minimize performance impacts due to technical challenges. (PAACE-OPM25)
• Bargaining unit employees are not obligated to provide off-site computer support for teleworkers. (AFGE-OPM117)
• Whenever possible, male support personnel will avoid making off-site visits alone when only a female staff member is present at a remote worksite, and vice versa. (AFGE-OPM117)

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