Lincoln Calls For Changes In Labor Dispute System

[Omaha Steve]

http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2011/01/11/4d2c7b7946861

January 11, 2011

Lincoln has joined the list of cities which have gone on record in favoring of changing the way the Commission of Industrial Relations settles wage disputes between cities and unionized employees.

Local officials in Omaha and Grand Island have recently discussed the financial problems they face because of the formula the CIR is required to use to settle such disputes.

The Legislature established the existing system, under which public employees gave up the right to strike.

Lincoln Councilman Adam Hornung recently told a council meeting that 72 percent of the city budget consists of personnel costs.

The council unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the Legislature to revise the current formula used by the CIR.

The League of Nebraska Municipalities is urging the 2011 Legislature to change the formula.

Can you spot my (borrowed) response at the link?