Thursday, February 26, 1998
Contact: Melissa Forsythe

Governor Patton’s Collective Bargaining Bill Will Be Introduced Soon

Governor Paul Patton announced today that his collective bargaining bill for public employees will be introduced tomorrow or Monday. State Representative J.R.Gray (D-Benton) today agreed to sponsor the bill. The governor said the bill will be introduced in the House as soon as the Legislative Research Commission completes its preparation of the measure, either tomorrow or Monday.

The proposed law, similar to existing laws in 29 other states, would extend to public employees the same rights that government mandates that private employers extend to their employees. The measure does not force any agreement or force anyone to sign any agreement. The bill contains a strong and effective no-strike clause.

Governor Patton said the issue of collective bargaining is simple. "Should government live by the same rules that it expects privately owned businesses to obey? Government should be willing to sit down with its employees and discuss in good faith the terms and conditions of their employment, just as government, for decades, has mandated for private employers." Polls indicate overwhelming public support for collective bargaining in the public sector.

"My proposal mandates that people communicate", Governor Patton said.

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