February 19, 2008
LIEBERMAN HAILS END OF LONG FIGHT OVER DHS EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
WASHINGTON – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., hailed a decision by the Department of Homeland Security to drop its legal efforts to oppose employee collective bargaining. The National Treasury Employees Union filed suit against DHS in 2002 claiming its proposed personnel system restricted the fundamental right of unionized employees to organize and bargain collectively. DHS recently filed papers with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia stating it will no longer attempt to revise its labor regulations. “This is an enormous victory for the courageous and hard-working men and women of the Department of Homeland Security,” Lieberman said. “I only regret that it took five years for the Department to end its effort to weaken employee rights. I have maintained all along that there is no conflict between the dedication and ability of DHS employees to keep the nation safe and their right to collective bargaining. These public servants devote their lives to dangerous, high pressure work - from screening potentially perilous packages to protecting our borders. I am delighted they now have an unfettered right to be heard with one voice.”
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