[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 5 (Monday, February 8, 1993)]
[Pages 119-120]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 120]]

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.