City Of Omaha Membership Contract Update

Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you for the work you continue to do every day, serving the residents of Omaha and the communities we represent. We know the work does not slow down even while negotiations are ongoing, and that commitment does not go unnoticed. 

Safety

We continue to push safety as a top priority in all contract discussions.

Members should continue to:
• Follow established procedures
• Request written procedures when assigned unfamiliar tasks
• Stop work if you believe the task is unsafe or unclear

If you are directed to perform work without proper procedures or training, notify your steward or Union leadership immediately.

Safety is not optional. Safety is not production-based. Safety is about making sure every member goes home the same way they came to work.

Bargaining Update

Negotiations with the City are ongoing.

Our primary economic focus in this contract is securing a decent and livable wage increase for all classifications covered under the collective bargaining agreement.

The Union has submitted data showing that more than seventy classifications are at least five percent below the midpoint. We have formally requested that those classifications be brought to the midpoint and become competitive with the market. 

Because of the volume of data provided by the Union, the City is currently reviewing the information to verify accuracy. The City has indicated they will be responding soon.

Our next bargaining session with the City is scheduled for Friday, the 13th, and will focus on non-economic items.

Discussions are ongoing in areas including:
• Safety language, Additional holidays, Parental leave, Transfers, Hours of Work, Overtime, Show up time, On-Call time, Court Cancellation Pay, Parking, Tool Allowance, Sick leave 
• Benefit protections
• Working conditions language
• Operational clarity as well as numerous other topics. 

We are encouraged to negotiate with Mayor John Ewing and his administration. We are hopeful that Mayor Ewing recognizes the commitment of the men and women who serve this city every day. Local 251 has had productive negotiations with the city negotiation team appointed by the Mayor, and we believe working together is how we continue building a stronger Omaha. 

Grievance and Representation Reminders

If you believe your contract is being violated:
• Contact your steward
• Contact Union leadership
• Document everything

Do not assume someone else has reported it.

We will continue providing updates as negotiations progress. If you are not receiving email updates, please contact the Union office to update your contact information.

Moving Forward Together

Together we want to make Omaha a better community. That starts by recognizing the men and women who work for the City of Omaha and making sure they can afford to live in the city they serve.

Your Union remains focused on:
• Fair wages
• Strong benefits
• Safe working conditions
• Enforceable contract language

We appreciate your patience and your professionalism during this process. We encourage you to come out to the union meeting to ask questions and get answers that will not be explained to the general public. 

In Solidarity,

AFSCME Local 251 Leadership