KPTM FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |Firefighters Union Takes on Omaha City Council in Court

Jonathan Athens

LINCOLN (KPTM)--Frustrated over the inability to hammer out a labor contract after nearly four years, the Omaha Firefighters Union and the city argued their respective cases before the Commission on Industrial Relations.

The union is accusing the city of engaging in bad faith negotiations and unfair labor practices. The union filed the suit last month shortly after city council pushed aside a tentative deal that Mayor Jim Suttle hammered out.

The fight has been raging on for several years. Critics such as the pro-business group Omaha Alliance argue the deal doesn't go far enough in terms of cutting retirement benefits and healthcare coverage.

The union has said it has made enough concession. Firefighters agreed to wage freezes for 2009 and 2010 along with making higher contributions to retirement and healthcare.

During Wednesday's hearing, the city's attorney in this fight, Bernard J. in den Bosch, called the union's case a "red herring. " He said the case could have far reaching implications if the union wins this legal battle.

Both sides presented their evidence on Wednesday. Lawyers on both sides have until Oct. 14 to file their briefs. After that, a three judge panel will have the final word.

The union is also suing the city for back wages totaling over $4 million.

Firefighters have been working without a contract since December 2007.