Hundreds of state union workers looking for other jobs after Pillen’s return-to-office order

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Over 100 state employees turned out to the Capitol on Thursday to show support for remote work in Nebraska.

It comes after Gov. Jim Pillen issued an executive order sending state workers back to the office.

The Nebraska Association of Public Employees filed a demand to bargain in late November and has now renewed that demand.

Since Pillen’s announcement, NAPE has surveyed over 1,700 state employees.

Nearly 800 of them said they’re considering looking for a new employer, and almost 600 more said they’re actively looking for or have already applied for a new job.

“The data confirmed our fears, which are that this will really affect all Nebraskans,” Executive Director Justin Hubly said. “We could end up even more short staffed than we already are, which would affect the public.”

Hubly said remote work is critical to retaining the current workforce.

He said union members are “passionate about providing services” to Nebraskans.

Hubly said by bargaining, the union can reach contract language that benefits its members, the public and the state.

“At the end of the day, there’s a legal right to bargain this, so that’s something we have to uphold,” he said.

SEE ALSO: ‘All Nebraskans pay the price’: Union demands to negotiate Pillen’s remote work order

In his order, Pillen said it’s a “common sense expectation” that workers are most productive working together in an office.

The state’s chief negotiator said that under the contract, the state has discretion to decide work locations and schedules.

NAPE has given the state until Dec. 12 to reach an agreement, before taking further action.

That action could include filing a petition with the Commission of Industrial Relations, the state’s labor board.

The union would ask for temporary relief while the commission rules whether remote work is a bargaining issue.

Pillen’s executive order goes into effect Jan. 2.