Jenny Nowatzke
OMAHA (KPTM) - Since the summer of 2007, contract negotiations between the fire union and mayor's office have produced few results.
"It's a beautiful time to slam the breaks and start over," said Dave Nabity, with the Omaha Alliance for the Private Sector.
They're a group of small business owners who are calling for a "clean slate" when it comes to getting a new contract negotiated.
"What we are asking the mayor and city council to do, is hire an independent negotiator. Someone who has a background in legal documents, and has no interest in the outcome of the contract," said Nabity.
170 pages make up the current fire union contract, which contains a number of elements the OAPS also wants to see changed.
Starting with:
1.) The current health care package offered to fire fighters and their families.
2.) The amount of money firefighters could potentially receive from their pension.
3.) The minimum staffing and equipment requirements, written in the current contract. Including 50 captains assigned to each shift.
"The captain status adds another $15,000 to the cost of payroll, times three shifts that you wouldn't have to have. That's $675,000 a year!" said Nabity.
But, fire union president Steve LeClair, defends the staffing requirements.
"We feel strongly that the rank of captain adds a ton of experience."
LeClair spoke to the media after he wasn't allowed inside Wednesday's press conference.
"If he has all the answers, we'd sure like to hear it. But, we weren't allowed to come in," said LeClair.
While LeClair applauds the group's efforts, he doesn't think hiring an independent contract negotiator will ever happen.
"I don't think it's realistic at all."
Mayor Jim Suttle also doesn't see the city hiring an independent negotiator any time soon.
In a statement, the mayor writes:
"The current fire union contract has evolved through a variety of administrations and city councils. Tom Marfisi has an outstanding record of public service to the citizens of Omaha.
The negotiating team working on a new fire union contract also includes my chief of staff, city finance director, and myself. Richard O'Gara, the city's new human resources director, brings a fresh perspective to contract discussions.
It is possible for reasonable people to sit down and discuss controversial and complex problems and achieve successful results. The Omaha police union contract is proof of this."
