Bargaining unit employees may participate in an AWS program only under the terms provided in the applicable collective bargaining agreement between the Forest Service and the union representing them. 22.01 - Authority 1. Title 5, United States Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter II – Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules. This authority provides the general framework for FWS and CWS which is to be used to improve productivity in the Federal Government and to provide greater service to the public. 2. Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 610, Subpart D – Flexible and Compresses Work Schedules. This authority provides legislation for the overall administration of FWS and CWS for use by GS and FWS employees. These OPM regulations are incorporated into their Handbook on AWS which can be found at . 22.02 - Objective To provide policy on the use of AWS including both flexible and CWS in the Forest Service. To enable managers and Supervisors to meet their program goals while, at the same time, allowing employees to be more flexible in scheduling their personal activities. 22.03 - Policy It is Forest Service policy to require Line Officers and unit managers to: 1. Schedule or adjust AWS of employees to ensure efficiency of operation and to meet the needs of employees. 2. Limit hours of duty to not more than 12 hours per day except in emergencies or when extenuating circumstances warrant, with supervisory approval. 3. Document in writing any deviations from the core hours granted to an employee under a FWS. 22.04 - Responsibility Line Officers, Directors, unit managers, Supervisors, and employees have distinct responsibilities relating to the implementation of work schedules and adherence to the requirements which are established by law, regulation, and Agency policy. 22.04a - Regional Foresters, Station Directors, and Area Director Regional Foresters, Station Directors, and the Area Director have the authority to:
1. Basic Work Requirement a. A full-time employee shall work 40 hours a week. b. A part-time employee shall work the number of hours the Supervisor determines in a week. 1. Basic Work Requirement a. A full-time employee shall work 80 hours in a biweekly pay period. b. A part-time employee shall work the number of hours the Supervisor determines in a biweekly pay period. 1. Basic Work Requirement (See Variable Day Schedule) 2. Tour of Duty a. The Forest Service has established flexible and core hours. b. These schedules provide for flexible time bands at the start and end of the workday and may also allow for flexible hours at midday (during the lunch break). c. Employees work or be on leave during core hours. 2. Tour of Duty (See Variable Day Schedule) 2. Tour of Duty (See Variable Day Schedule) 3. Flexibility a. Employees may vary arrival and departure times on a daily basis during the established flexible hours. b. An employee may also vary the length of the workday. The Supervisor may limit the number of hours an employee may work on a daily basis. 3. Flexibility (See Variable Day Schedule) An employee may also vary the length of the workweek. 3. Flexibility (See Variable Day Schedule) 22.2 - Compressed Work Schedules Sections 22.21 through 22.25 provide the overall policy for the different types of CWS used in the Forest Service. Section 22.26, exhibit 01 provides an overall comparison of two of CWS (4-day workweek, 5/4-9 compressed plan) in terms of the basic work requirement and tour of duty. 22.21 - Work Requirement