Telework allows a worker caring for a sick child or family member to manage both important responsibilities. Telework takes cars off the road and reduces air pollution and traffic congestion. People in your administration are now working to implement a pilot program established through an amendment I offered to the Fiscal Year 2000 transportation appropriations bill to develop an emissions trading program in the Washington Metropolitan Region and four other metropolitan regions in the nation for employers who participate in telecommuting. Employers benefit from telework. Companies have found that employees who telecommute are more productive, use less sick leave, and have higher retention rates.
Employers can reduce costly overhead, such as office and parking space, through telework.
Telework is a win-win situation for both employers and employees. The OSHA advisory could stop in its tracks the high-technology momentum now sweeping the nation and driving our tremendous economic prosperity. Information technology is providing answers on how to improve our quality of life. I call on you to use your executive authority to act immediately to rescind this ill advised interpretation by OSHA of the modem-day home worksite. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.