Telework also provides people with disabilities more opportunities. Telework allows a worker caring for a sick child or family member to manage both important responsibilities. Telework is environmentally friendly and takes cars off the road which means reduced air pollution and traffic congestion. Employers also 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. I hope President Clinton will recognize the shortsightedness of the OSHA interpretation and rescind the advisory. However, if that action is not taken, I am prepared to offer an amendment through the appropriations process to effectively eliminate this interpretation, in consultation with Chairman Goodling, Chairman Hoekstra, and Rep. Roy Blunt, who have been diligently monitoring this issue through committee hearings. We have also been in contact with Chairman Young and he has expressed 100 percent support for including a provision in the an appropriations measure to eliminate the OSHA interpretation. The OSHA advisory could stop in its tracks the high-technology momentum now sweeping the nation and driving our tremendous economic prosperity.