City, retirees discuss settlement (my union)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100907/NEWS97/100909686

Published Tuesday September 7, 2010

By Maggie O'Brien
World-Herald Staff Writer

Details still are being finalized on a possible settlement between the City of Omaha and retired city workers faced with a possible hike in their health care premiums.

"Things are still in the discussion stage," said Omaha Human Resources Director Dick O’Gara.

Mayor Jim Suttle had proposed the higher premiums as a way to save about $4.1 million annually, and the City Council agreed. But city police, fire and civilian unions sued, saying the higher premiums violate the terms of their labor contracts.

Last week, City Council members met in closed session to review the settlement. A trial was scheduled to begin earlier in the week before U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon, but it was put on hold.