Firefighters vote to form labor union

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20111026/NEWS2001/710269830/1120#firefighters-vote-to-form-labor-union

Published Wednesday October 26, 2011

By Scott Stewart
Leader Staff Writer

The Bellevue Professional Firefighters Association is approaching the finish line to become the city's fifth labor union.

Eligible employees voted 70-11 in favor of certifying the BPFA as their collective bargaining unit in an election organized by the Commission of Industrial Relations. The group, upon its certification by the commission, will represent Bellevue's part-time fire officers, medic officers and firefighters who are not otherwise holding full-time positions with the city.

Attorneys for both the city and the BPFA said the outcome of the election was anticipated since this summer. The group is expected to be officially certified next month.

City Attorney Patrick Sullivan said the BPFA, once it is certified by the commission, will enter negotiations with the city for next fiscal year's contracts.

John Corrigan, the attorney representing the association, said a few issues are being discussed regarding bargaining but the BPFA is confident any kinks will be resolved.

FULL story at link.

[craticdemo]

1. cool.