President Trump’s recent executive order requiring federal employees to return to full-time, in-person work is set to impact the workforce at Redstone Arsenal.
With approximately 45,500 personnel, including military members, government employees, and contractors, the sprawling Huntsville installation will undergo operational changes as agencies comply with the mandate.
The executive order directs federal agencies to end remote work arrangements “as soon as practicable” and requires employees to return to their designated duty stations on a full-time basis. While agency heads are permitted to make exceptions where necessary, the overarching goal is to prioritize in-person work.
Redstone Arsenal hosts a mix of employees, many of whom are likely affected by this shift.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office identifies the differences between remote workers and teleworkers. Only 10% of federal employees are considered to be totally remote workers.
Meanwhile, teleworkers—employees who split their time between agency locations and alternate worksites—may also see a reduction in flexibility as agencies align with the new directive. According to the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), federal teleworkers spend an average of 61% of their hours on-site.
Not all federal employees will experience immediate changes. Existing collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) negotiated by unions such as AFGE, which represents over 750,000 federal workers, may protect some remote work arrangements for the time being. However, agencies must notify the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) of their compliance with the order within 30 days, signaling an expedited timeline for policy changes.
The AFGE has expressed concern about the potential disruption to workers’ lives, particularly for those who have built routines around remote or hybrid work. Redstone Arsenal employees who previously relied on flexible arrangements may now face logistical challenges, such as relocating closer to Huntsville or adjusting family responsibilities.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. She may be reached at [email protected].
