LINCOLN- The union that represents state employees has demanded that the state allow negotiations over Gov. Jim Pillen’s recent order to end working from home. The Nebraska Association of Public Employees said its contract with the state “guarantees” that such changes in working terms and conditions are mandatory subjects of bargaining and cannot be imposed without first negotiating.

Pillen’s recent order that state employees return to the office by Jan. 2 set off a firestorm of objections from workers. Some complained that they were hired on the premise that they could work from home, at least part of the time; others said it would disrupt their families and need for day care and would force them to quit. Some agencies argued that they saved up to $500,000 in costs by working at home.

Justin Hubly, who is executive director of NAPE, said remote work assignments, where appropriate, are beneficial to both the taxpayer and the employees. The union’s demand letter said some state workers had already begun applying for non-state jobs, which would exacerbate the shortage of staff in many state agencies. A Sept. 30 report on staffing showed 2,500 vacancies in state offices.

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