Nebraska union files suit over remote work ban

NEBRASKA, UNITED STATES — The Nebraska state employees union has filed a legal petition against Governor Jim Pillen’s recent executive order ending remote work for most state workers starting January 2, 2024.

The Nebraska Association of Public Employees (NAPE), representing over 8,000 state workers, submitted the filing to the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations after the state refused the union’s request to negotiate changes imposed by the order. 

The order, signed November 9, requires most executive branch employees to work in-person, onsite from 8am to 5pm weekdays with few exceptions. 

“We remain critically short staffed and any action that would prompt us to lose any state employees will confound the problem,” said NAPE Executive Director Justin Hubly.

The union conducted an internal survey and found that 16% of respondents are considering  leaving state employment due to the remote work ban, though some indicated they would stay if the policy is reversed.

However, Governor Spokesperson Laura Strimple said that Pillen’s order “remain unchanged.” 

“Working from home, even in a part-time capacity, does not lend itself to efficient and financially responsible operations from the state,” Strimple said in a statement to the Nebraska Examiner. 

In its legal action, NAPE also requested a halt on implementing the order until an agreement is reached. A hearing is expected before December 28.