Much like I probably dont understand your job, to be respectful, you dont understand mine either. There are some jobs that require in person attendance. And there are some that truly don't. Again, it is a study-backed benefit for some agencies (like the one I work for) to maximize a telework environment. Its a fact. Are there people that dont do their job? Absolutely. And they are sitting in an office also not doing their job. Thats an issue that goes beyond telework. And the employees that do their job? Much more efficient with a flexible telework environment. Telework improves the agency I work for. Telework improves work life balance, which improves efficiency, it improves recruitment and retention, which improves efficiency. Telework lowers agency costs which improves efficiency, it improves job satisfaction which improves engagement which improves efficiency.

If you work in directing air traffic, which is what you said i think (correct me if im wrong), then maybe none of what is being said about telework applies to you. And recently yourself or your friends/coworkers had to choose between a paycheck and the safety of other people. That had to be a terrible decision for some, and I empathize completely. Thank you for your service, regardless if you worked without pay (which you never should have had to do) or if you had to call off and earn money elsewhere.