Just got home from the Mayor talking to my union local

[Omaha Steve]

I will be on the KETV 7 news at 10 tonight: http://www.ketv.com/index.html

I have to get up earlier than normal tomorrow at 4:30. I'm headed to bed and will not be able to post again until later tomorrow night. I have a Labor Federation meeting tomorrow night too. The current Mayor will be having a press conference about jobs and finances this Thursday. Stay tuned.


The story is here: http://www.ketv.com/news/19571629/detail.html

Members Disgruntled By Mayor-Elect's Decision To Edit Contract

POSTED: 4:39 pm CDT May 26, 2009

OMAHA, Neb. -- Mayor-elect Jim Suttle said he must cancel the city's tentative wage contract with civilian employees until the city gets back on stable financial ground.

Suttle met with union employees Tuesday at CWA Hall near 44th and Francis streets. He was met by workers holding signs with messages like, "We keep the city running" and "Treat all city employees fair."

The deal that Suttle nixed would have given a 2.75 percent wage increase to union members for the next three years. Members were shocked to learn that a deal they thought was negotiated in good faith could be so swiftly dissolved.

Officials from Nebraska Public Employees Union 251 said the rug had been pulled out from under them.

"A lot of our members are going to voice their frustration," said union Vice President George Forst. He said his members keep Omaha's roads fixed and the city clean. They voted overwhelmingly for the three-year contract and they said returning to negotiations after a public comment from the Suttle doesn't sit well.

FULL story and video at link.

[havocmom]

1. Thanks for posting

Thanks for all you do to keep us informed.

[bananas]

2. k&r nt

[Wednesdays]

3. K&R

:kick:

[OHDEM]

4. I'm sorry. This has got to be tough.

My dad is a firefighter so it's not an unfamiliar story. You work and negotiate for fair wages so you can live...not be rich, but middle class with a good job and then they act like it doesn't matter. It's really hard to strike, too because the city literally can't run without you!

Good luck in your fight and I'm pulling for you!

[Omaha Steve]

5. I'm headed for work

I got an email that says my interview on KETV didn't air. I'll be back tonight.

[Omaha Steve]

6. It is more than a pay freeze

I worked a 10 hour day. I was at car dealerships all day Saturday and Monday. I worked Sunday. Last night was my local's meeting. I haven't really had time to read news since Friday. I'll be back later.

We will be paying more for our retirement & insurance while our income stays the same for three years.