State union workers take Pillen’s return-to-office order to Nebraska Supreme Court

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Association of Public Employees said Monday that it’s making a stand to protect its members’ right to negotiate.

The union, which represents State of Nebraska employees, said it’s appealing a ruling from the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations on Gov. Jim Pillen’s return-to-office order.

Last November, Pillen issued Executive Order 23-17, saying state employees should work in the office since the COVID-19 pandemic was over.

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

NAPE then pushed back, demanding that the state bargain with the union over the issue.

But the state refused, and the union filed a petition with the labor commission.

In the July ruling, the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations dismissed the case, saying that the union’s contract explicitly allows the state to change work locations.

The commission referenced Article 3 of the collective bargaining agreement, which gives the state “the right to increase, reduce, change, modify and alter the composition and site of the work force.”

NAPE is now appealing the commission’s decision to the Supreme Court.

The court will determine whether all the terms and conditions surrounding remote employment are covered by the current collective bargaining agreement.

The union is also appealing the order to pay the state’s legal fees to the Attorney General’s Office.

“We are confident that we can work with the Governor on a solution that sets the State of Nebraska up for success for years to come,” said Justin Hubly, executive director of NAPE. “We hope he will meet with us and end this litigation. We’re all better off when we work together.”

SEE ALSO: Nebraska state worker with new baby quits after Pillen’s order to end remote work