Unions sue over change to Missouri state employee law

wireready_10-11-2018-19-16-02_05034_atwillemployment

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ State employee unions are suing to block a new
Missouri law that gave administrators greater leeway in hiring, firing and
promoting some state workers.

The unions announced the lawsuit Wednesday. Unions involved include the Service
Employees International Union, Communications Workers of America, and the
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

At issue is a law that made most state workers at-will employees, which means
they can be fired for any reason.

Supporters say the changes will give state government managers more flexibility
and allow them to hire from a wider pool of job applicants.

But the unions argue it unconstitutionally infringes on state workers’
collective bargaining rights.

Office of Administration spokeswoman Brittany Ruess declined to comment on the
lawsuit.

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