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Civil Service "Deform" (HB 187) proposal would remove public employee protections, promote political cronyism

June 9, 2005 - Once again Rep. Steve Buehrer (R-Delta) has introduced a civil service reform bill, HB 187, that would reverse decades of progress and return political considerations and cronyism to government service.

“There have been so many attempts throughout the past few years to ‘reform’ civil service. But instead of true reform that would make civil service regulations less cumbersome, these reform measures would actually 'deform' the system and dismantle the protections our members depend on,” said OCSEA Executive Director Andy Douglas (left).

The proposed bill, currently in the Ohio House, would allow for many changes to civil service, including:

• Giving agencies the authority to furlough any employees for up to 70 days in a fiscal year due to a lack of funds;
• Reducing full-time employees to part-time employees for up to 70 days in a fiscal year due to a lack of funds;
• Limiting bumping rights only within a classification series;
• Expanding disciplinary measures to include the reduction or elimination of longevity pay;
• and giving employers more discretion in setting minimum qualifications for positions without undergoing the complete job analysis process.

“The bill does nothing to make government more efficient, reduce waste, or protect the public trust,” said Douglas. “What this does is open the door for political abuse by managers, who would have the discretion to come in and 'clean house' whenever they felt like it. It's scary to think that we would be going backwards in terms of politics and cronyism in the workplace.”

This legislation is being heard before the House Local Government Committee. OCSEA is preparing to offer opponent testimony.

> Take Action Now: Write a letter to your legislators using the E-Action Center. Urge them to oppose Buerher's HB 187.

In early June, postcards aimed at discouraging legislators from supporting such legislation will go out to all Union Bulletin Board Network contacts. To obtain one of these postage-paid post cards, refer to your jobsite union bulletin board or get in touch with your UBBN contact person.

OCSEA will also be offering opponent testimony on another Buehrer bill that would prohibit the state from offering a web service if two private companies offer the same service.

See Related

Summary of union's Civil Service Reform concerns

Contact information for House Local Government Committee