    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [February 2, 1996]
    [Pages 141-142]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Circuit Court Decision on Replacement Workers
    February 2, 1996

        The right of workers to strike has long been one of America's envied
    freedoms. Last year, I signed an Executive order prohibiting Federal
    contractors from permanently replacing workers who exercise their
    legitimate and historic right to strike.
        This Executive order--which furthers the economic and efficient
    administration of Federal contracts--signals the kind of productive
    labor-management relationships that are needed in today's economy.
        I regret today's decision by the DC Circuit Court overturning this
    order. I strongly believe that this Executive order is economically
    sound, fair, and legal, and accordingly I am instructing my Justice
    Department to take all appropriate steps to have this decision
    overturned.

    [[Page 142]]

    Note:  Executive Order No. 12954 concerning economical and efficient
    administration and completion of Federal Government contracts was
    published in the Federal Register at 60 FR 13023.