[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
[February 1, 1993]
[Page 27]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Revocation of Certain Executive Orders Concerning Federal 
Contracting
February 1, 1993

    Today I am taking two actions to restore a needed balance in 
America's workplace. I believe that these steps, by reducing unnecessary 
Federal Government intrusion into workplace relations, ultimately will 
promote the shared goals of American workers and management and 
strengthen the ability of this country's businesses and industry to 
compete in the world economy.
    First, I am revoking Executive Order No. 12818. This order, issued 
on October 23, 1992 by President Bush, prohibits contractors that have 
entered into project agreements with unions from bidding on Federal 
construction contracts. American taxpayers and the Federal Government 
are not well-served by this restriction. Such agreements establish labor 
standards for work early in the process. They reduce instances of cost 
overruns by permitting contract bidders to make more reliable cost 
estimates before bidding. They promote completion of projects in a 
timely manner by assuring a stable supply of skilled workers. And they 
promote safe working conditions. By revoking Executive Order No. 12818 
today, such project agreements will again be allowed in Federal 
construction contracts.
    Second, I am revoking Executive Order No. 12800, issued on April 13, 
1992. This order required unionized Federal contractors to post a notice 
in the workplace that workers are not required to join or support a 
union and threatened sanctions against contractors who did not comply. 
The effect of this order was distinctly antiunion as it did not require 
contractors to notify workers of any of their other rights protected by 
the National Labor Relations Act, such as the right to organize and 
bargain collectively. By revoking this order, I today end the 
Government's role in promoting this one-sided version of workplace 
rights.

                                                      William J. Clinton

The White House,
February 1, 1993.

Note: The Executive order revoking Executive Orders 12800 and 12818 is 
listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.