Local 251 Reaches Tentative Agreement with the City of Omaha

Local 251 Members Reach Tentative Agreement with the City of Omaha

Members of Nebraska Public Employees Local 251, AFSCME, have reached a tentative agreement with the City of Omaha on a new four-year contract. Members will review the agreement and vote on it before anything is signed.

“This agreement shows what we can win when we stand together and bring the data to the table,” said Local 251 President Tony Burkhalter. “Our members keep this city running, and this contract recognizes the value of their work.”

What members won

• Wages based on the comparable-cities wage study. In most classifications, employees will be placed at a step at least 4% above their 2025 rate, retroactive to December 21, 2025. Some classifications received much more, up to 30%.
• Guaranteed 3% raises in 2027, 2028 and 2029.
• Better leave. A larger sick leave payout, more family sick leave, up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave and a second floating holiday.
• More pay and benefits. Higher shift differentials, increased longevity pay, a higher dental maximum and larger tool allowances.
• New protections and language for the forensic unit, fleet, sewer and on-call, plus a new heavy equipment training committee.

What comes next

The City still has to deliver its final contract language and the placement chart for each employee. The City and the Local 251 bargaining team will discuss individual step placement before ratification, and the Union is seeking contract language that sets a timeline for paying retroactive pay.

Members will receive the full contract with every change shown and a wage summary, followed by a Zoom meeting, an in-person membership meeting, and the ratification vote. If members ratify, the agreement goes to the City Council for approval.

Nebraska Public Employees Local 251 represents civilian employees of the City of Omaha. For questions, contact the office at NPE@LOCAL251.ORG or (402) 346-4011.

In solidarity.