Department of Veterans Affairs building in Washington, D.C. (Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON — Political appointees, senior executives and non-union employees living within 50 miles of their workplaces are ordered to end remote work arrangements and return to the office by Feb. 24, the Department of Veterans Affairs said Monday.

But in-person work requirements for union employees — who make up nearly 80% of the VA’s massive workforce — will be announced later, the agency said. Those workers are represented by the American Federation of Government Employees.

About 480,000 people work at the VA, which makes it the second-largest employer in the federal government after the Defense Department.

The VA announced the partial return-to-work policy Monday afternoon following a directive by President Donald Trump last week ordering federal agencies to end remote work.

The policy for non-union workers affects rank-and-file employees and supervisory staff, the VA said.

“Most VA clinical staff don’t have the luxury of working remotely, and we believe the performance, collaboration and productivity of the department will improve if all VA employees are held to the same standard,” said Todd Hunter, acting VA secretary.

About 20% of the VA labor force works remotely part time or full time.

Remote work and telework arrangements for supervisors and non-union employees who live more than 50 miles from their offices will not be terminated under the new policy, the VA said.

“Further guidance will be forthcoming regarding these arrangements,” the VA said.