News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 8, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke’s statement on passage of civil service reform

“I am very pleased that the Legislature has finally approved civil service reform for state employees.

“Collective bargaining rights for state employees are long overdue. For the first time in the history of the state, our employees will have the same bargaining rights over economic issues that private sector, local government and school employees have long enjoyed.

“The bill also streamlines a cumbersome civil service system with over 2,700 separate job classes, allowing decisions to be made more efficiently with less paperwork and bureaucracy.

“The legislation will add a critical element of competition to the delivery of state services that will result in more cost-efficiency and innovation for all citizens of the state.

“I want to thank Representative Sandra Romero, prime sponsor of this legislation, and all legislators who supported the bill.”
Related Links:
- Washington State Legislature
- Rep. Sandra Romero (D-22)


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