# Arbitrator Orders FDIC to Restore Telework

On November 9, 2026, an arbitrator ruled for the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), finding that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) violated Article 20 of its collective bargaining agreement when it ended previously approved employee telework arrangements. The remedy requires the FDIC to rescind its February 26, 2025 message and restore affected arrangements, including those terminated effective March 31, 2025; it does not award make-whole damages. The FDIC may appeal to the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) within 30 days, approximately December 9, 2026. Commenters say an appeal could stay the decision and delay reinstatement.

- FDIC procurement and program teams, and contractors coordinating with agency personnel, should distinguish this ruling on FDIC employees’ labor-agreement rights from any separate contractor telework terms. Recheck onsite coordination assumptions where affected FDIC staff are involved.
- The ruling underscores the operational importance of following applicable collective bargaining procedures before changing employee work arrangements; the remedy specifically requires individualized assessments and procedures under Article 20.
- The decision provides no damages because the union did not present damages evidence. If the FDIC files an appeal, commenters expect the review and any restoration to potentially be delayed.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** November 11, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
- Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

### Sources
- [NTEU vs FDIC](https://www.reddit.com/r/FedEmployees/comments/1xt74ym/nteu_vs_fdic) - reddit-fedemployees
- [NTEU wins in Arbitration against FDIC](https://www.reddit.com/r/fednews/comments/1xt2bc8/nteu_wins_in_arbitration_against_fdic) - reddit-fednews