LINCOLN- A state labor court took under advisement a request by the state employees’ union to delay an executive order by Gov. Pillen to end most remote or hybrid work arrangements by Jan. 2. Union representatives argued it would create “chaos” for state workers and the taxpayers they serve because of adjustments employees would have to adopt quickly.

Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, said that more than one out of every five state jobs are already vacant, and ending remote working arrangements would exacerbate the labor shortage. An attorney representing Pillen rejected the “parade of horribles” predicted by the union and said NAPE is making an “extraordinary” attempt to usurp the governor’s power to manage state employees.

Mark Fahleson said the state’s labor contract allows the governor to change “the site” of the workforce without bargaining with the union. Fahleson added that NAPE had submitted a proposal on remote work during collective bargaining a year ago but withdrew it after winning “record salary increases.” “They’re asking the commission to award them something they voluntarily gave up,” said Fahleson.

For the full article click HERE