Omaha council wants to cut pay of some city part-timers

[Omaha Steve]

Local 251 is MY union. We have several really pissed off members. We had a hand shake with the Mayor. Two readings in from of the council, then they pulled a fast one. More as this develops.

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10615871

Published Wednesday April 22, 2009
Omaha council wants to cut pay of some city part-timers
BY MAGGIE O'BRIEN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

The City of Omaha's largest civilian employee union could find itself back at the bargaining table under an ordinance approved Tuesday by the City Council.

The council voted 6-1 to ask the city and Omaha City Employees Local 251 to take another look at a proposed contract that would change some part-time employees' pay to the lowest grade — regardless of how much money they made or how long they had worked for the city.

The savings would help address a shortfall in the civilian pension fund.

Councilman Chuck Sigerson wants to decrease wages only for part-time employees who once worked full time for the city and now draw city pensions.

Current part-timers who aren't eligible for pension and health benefits wouldn't get a pay cut if Sigerson has his way. However, future part-time employees would be paid at the lowest level.

Sigerson said it was unfair to ask regular part-time employees to help shore up the pension fund when they will never reap the benefits.

FULL story at link.