Nebraska employees union rallies for higher pay, remote work ahead of contract negotiations

[Omaha Steve]

https://omaha.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/nebraska-employees-union-rallies-for-higher-pay-remote-work-ahead-of-contract-negotiations/article_55824318-6f8a-11ef-9626-df1e0ae76f8c.html

Erin Bamer Sep 10, 2024 Updated 9 hrs ago

LINCOLN — In the midst of a pending lawsuit over remote work restrictions, the state’s largest public workers union is preparing to begin negotiations on their next two-year contract.

The Nebraska Association of Public Employees, which represents more than 8,000 state employees, is to begin contract negotiations with state officials for a new two-year labor contract this month. The new contract will run concurrently with the state’s next biennium budget cycle from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, and negotiations could extend to the end of 2024.

Roughly 100 union members and other guests gathered near the State Capitol building Tuesday evening to commemorate the start of the negotiations. In line with past years, the top priority for NAPE is to secure higher wages.

Specifically, NAPE President Melissa Haynes said, they are looking to offer competitive starting wages to attract new workers, along with ensuring that continued wages stay level with inflation and insurance increases.

FUll story at link above.

Original link: https://omaha.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/nebraska-employees-union-rallies-for-higher-pay-remote-work-ahead-of-contract-negotiations/article_55824318-6f8a-11ef-9626-df1e0ae76f8c.html