Daily Archive for September 25th, 2009

Governor Explains Importance of Contract Language

Governor Carcieri today reiterated the significant need for the management flexibility language contained in the new job saving agreement with the public employee unions. Under the terms of the agreement, state employees and their families, would gain job security in exchange for more flexibility to transfer employees for purposes of reorganization, job elimination or consolidation of functions within the Executive Branch.

“Providing a no-layoff guarantee for two years in this tumultuous economic environment is something the unions asked for as part of the negotiations,” said Governor Carcieri. “I could not grant this request without the latitude to manage government in a responsible manner. It would be fiscally irresponsible to do otherwise. With declining state revenues, I need the flexibility to make meaningful employee transfers, reorganize functions, or consolidate functions of state government. A no-layoff guarantee is a significant concession on the Administration’s part and it requires an equally significant concession on the part of the unions.”

Gary Sasse, the Director of the Department of Administration added: “The language in question was carefully negotiated by both sides and was a part of the agreement all along. It took into consideration the impact of a worsening economy, the need to control personnel expenditures, and the desire for labor to protect their members’ jobs. With this language, the Administration will able to deploy our human resources effectively and efficiently without negatively impacting services or requiring additional layoffs.”

“This language was always was negotiated in good faith. This agreement always included this trade off. The no layoff guarantee and the management flexibility are inextricably tied together,” the Governor added.

Press Release: Office of the Governor