A state employee union is trying to temporarily block a retirement incentives package unveiled earlier this week. The state will offer certain employees cash or health insurance if they agree to retire. Governor Sam Brownback’s administration hopes the program can save money by reducing the number of state employees. The Kansas Organization of State Employees alleges the Brownback administration violated state law. The union says Kansas law requires the administration to meet with the union before starting the program. Director Jane Carter says they aren’t necessarily opposed to the retirement incentives.
Governor Brownback’s administration says the law only requires them to meet with the union, but it doesn’t require them to meet before starting the program. The union has filed a lawsuit to temporarily block the incentives package.