[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.