Gov. Heineman: CIR Needs Real Reform

Press Release

Gov. Dave Heineman today held a news conference call to discuss the Commission of Industrial Relations bill, LB 397, which is currently being considered in the Nebraska Legislature.

Gov. Heineman typically doesn't say if he would sign or veto bills before they reach his desk, due to their changing nature in the Legislature. However, in a rare occurrence, Gov. Heineman said he would veto the bill in its current form.

"I seldom announce how I will act on a legislative bill before it reaches my desk, but I want to be crystal clear on LB 397," said Gov. Heineman. "Senator Lathrop's current version of LB 397 is unacceptable and I will veto it if the bill reaches my desk. The citizens of Nebraska want real reform and they expect the Legislature to produce real CIR reform."

Gov. Heineman added, "Real reform is possible if LB 397 is amended to include changes similar to the amendment submitted by Nebraska's business leaders."

The proposed business amendment would bring more consistency to how public employee union disputes are handled. It would increase transparency on how labor union contracts are negotiated. It would provide more flexibility to local and state governments who are faced with the need to pay different union employees different wages. It would ensure accountability of taxpayer funds when negotiating union contracts or when a final decision is entered in a labor union dispute.

Gov. Heineman stated, "The business community's amendment is real reform and in its current form, I would sign it into law. Senator Lathrop's intransigence on this issue is detrimental to the process. Real reform should include cost containment ideas and a simplified, transparent, and accountable process."

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