LEPAGE TELLS PRIVATE AUDIENCE CIVIL EMERGENCY IS INTENDED TO VOID COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS

AUGUSTA — Governor Paul LePage will use his state of emergency to “null and void” collective bargaining agreements for state workers who are paid by the federal government, according to an audio recording of LePage obtained by the Bangor Daily News blog The Tipping Point.

LePage made the admission during a private event Monday night with a conservative women’s group, the Informed Women’s Network.  Democratic leaders issued the following statement in response:

“Last week when the Governor declared a state of emergency, we called on him to specify which state laws he planned to suspend. Now his intentions are clear and plain,” said Speaker Eves. “The Governor’s comments will only heighten the fear and anxiety felt by thousands of workers in Maine who are already worried about making ends meet.  He must stop the games and be straight with the people of Maine.”

“Our focus continues to be the potential job losses for more than 2,000 Mainers. During this time of unrest, Governor LePage should be working toward a calm and reassuring solution for the workers of Maine,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland. Unfortunately, statements like the one made by Governor LePage do nothing more than breed skepticism and mistrust.”

Democratic leaders met with the Governor early this morning to reiterate requests to narrow the proclamation and request an end date. LePage refused to provide either.

LePage is the only Governor in the country who has declared a similar state of emergency.

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