The University System of Georgia’s confusing and contentious return-to-office mandate requires all remote/hybrid employees to begin working in person in the Fall 2025 semester. This mandate has been championed by Chancellor Sonny Purdue as means to enhance “collaboration, timely support and student engagement, accountability and institutional reputation,” without any supporting data.

As workers, we know that these talking points are out of touch with the day-to-day operation of the university. Issues with under-staffing and high turnover will be exacerbated with the termination of remote work agreements. An in-office mandate would inevitably reduce virtual assistance options and harm the student experience as a result.

Mandatory in-person work will also disrupt the lives of numerous USG employees, many of whom were hired as hybrid/fully remote workers or may have health or childcare needs that rely on the flexibility of remote work. Revoking the ability to work from home amounts to a pay cut for all affected employees, because workers will take on the financial burden of increased transportation and parking expenses, and will be forced to spend more time in Atlanta traffic, away from their families. This reduction in the quality of working conditions, increased personal risk, and mounting financial burden are unacceptable.

Call to action: Here's your chance to speak out about why remote work matters! Complete the form and share it with your coworkers. Once enough responses have been gathered, UCW make sure your voice is amplified and your stories are heard by the Board of Regents. Responses will be shared anonymously. Personal information will only be used to contact you about this campaign and the union.