Council Takes Over Fire Talks, Union Weighs Next Move
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As Nebraska Watchdog first reported the Omaha City Council has decided to dramatically change the face of Omaha’s deadlocked fire talks.
By an apparently veto proof 5-0 vote the council today took over contract negotiations with the Omaha Fire Union, replacing the Suttle administration at the bargaining table.
Councilman Chris Jerram, who led the takeover, tells Nebraska Watchdog he’s not sure if the fire union will renew talks. Last week the union filed a lawsuit accusing the council of unfair labor negotiations. Fire Union President Steve LeClair tells Nebraska Watchdog the council’s “political interests have pushed aside the public’s interest.”
Following the vote Mayor Jim Suttle 
worried the move will backfire. “How will this bring solvency to our pension system, stop spiking, and cut costs for taxpayers?” said Suttle. “We can only hope the Council’s decision does not jeopardize the significant financial concessions negotiated by the parties or risk the City’s AAA bond rating.”
Earlier this month the same five members of the council who backed the takeover—Pete Festersen, Jerram, President Tom Mulligan, Jean Stothert and Franklin Thompson—refused to okay a deal cut by Suttle and the union. That led the Mayor to call a news conference last Friday where Suttle accused the council of holding the city “hostage.”
The council gave the mayor the authority to negotiate contracts back in the ’70′s in order to have one voice at the bargaining table instead of seven. Jerram says he expects the council will hire an outside negotiator to handle the talks.
Earlier this month Jerram and the Fire Union had a major falling out. As Nebraska Watchdog first reported the union, which gave Jerram’s 2009 council campaign at least $10,000, says it will not support Jerram’s re-election in 2013.
Reported by Joe Jordan, joe@nebraskawatchdog.org
Editor’s note: to subscribe to News Updates from Nebraska Watchdog at no cost, click here
Posted under News, Omaha City Hall.
Tags: Chris Jerram, Jim Suttle, Joe Jordan, Nebraska Watchdog, Steve LeCLair
4:37 pm on August 30th, 2011
So this means since the council is negotiating the contract they rubber stamp the finished product?
6:28 pm on August 30th, 2011
Now LeClaire has referred to the Council as “snakes?” Wow.
I’m extremely proud of the Omaha city council. Public servants should earn a decent wage, but enough has become enough. They should no longer retire at middle age, take other jobs for twenty years, and become rich off their pensions.
6:42 pm on August 30th, 2011
I believe you misquoted mr leclaire, he said “the council is like a snake with no head” when referring to the lack of leadership in the council. I see no problem using an old simile when making a point. I do see a problem with spreading wrong information to advance some sort of agenda.
7:15 pm on August 30th, 2011
Kudos to the council. Bold move, brave act! Unfortunate about Gray and Gearnandt calling in sick. I guess they can tell the union and the taxpayers, “I didn’t vote for this”
7:25 pm on August 30th, 2011
It is a far, far better City Council than the Mayor and Ben Gray who is in the Mayor’s pocket. I applaud all of you who voted this way! For once in my life I really feel for the most part, we have a good City Council watching out for the taxpayer in a reasonable mannor. …And yes, Incorrigible1…they should make a decent wage! They risk their very lives for us sometimes…however…they just can’t bankrupt the City? I appreciate Firemen…I appreciate our Police Force and support them any way that I can. But let’s be reasonable here. Thanks to all on the City Council who voted and stood your ground. Don’t let them stronghold you! Starting to look like Omaha is becoming Chicago? Let’s not let that happen! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!
7:35 pm on August 30th, 2011
Lack of leadership in the council…
Well, looking at the hierarchy, Suttle would be at the top.
So LeClair is correct….. Lack of leadership.
7:38 pm on August 30th, 2011
Here’s an idea.. LeClair says the council does not have the public interest.
Let the public decide on the contract. Put together the councils contract, and then the unions contract. Put both on a special ballot.
See who wins.
7:51 pm on August 30th, 2011
Kevin, if the contract were to go to public vote I can guarantee you the the contract would be worse than the ’04 contract. You see, there is a dense population that use the ofd on a regular basis. Did you notice that there was no opposition at the public hearing today? Its because the ofd doesn’t care who its negotiating with, as long as a fair deal can be made. That deal was amended and voted down by the council
7:55 pm on August 30th, 2011
Also, I hope the council learns quickly that collective bargaining is about give and take. Looked to me that they let the mayors staff fairly negotiate (give and take) while they sat back and tried to take more without giving anything in return. And the Union is supposed to accept that? Sounds like unfair labor practices to me, but we can wait for the courts to decide that
7:58 pm on August 30th, 2011
Glad to see the City Council has a backbone – unlike the Mayor. It’s time for the public unions to share in the pain that the private sector and unemployed are having to endure. The days of a free medical care, high wages and unreasonable pensions are over. Just as Wisconsin and Ohio were able to go from being in the red to the black with their public unions so can the city of Omaha.
8:05 pm on August 30th, 2011
I just don’t know what to do as an idividual. I voted for this contract, even though I was against it. I did that because I just wanted to get a contract after waiting for so long. Now the council has voted it down and want to take over negotiations. I do belive we are going to the CIR and will get a hefty and well deserved payraise because of comparison cities. I don’t reside in the city so any property tax increases will not impact me. In the mean time I will continue working my off day job as a Journeyman Plumber, my former trade. Who wins in all this? I think the OFD members will in the long run, but you people elected these 5 council members so that’s on you.
9:29 pm on August 30th, 2011
I didn’t post that. Funny how low some of the losers on this board get desperate when they can’t make a logical argument.
9:35 pm on August 30th, 2011
I wil be using another name soon.
9:39 pm on August 30th, 2011
Yes, do let’s take it to the CIR. The same CIR recently reined in from their irresponsible, fiscally suicidal tendencies. The People are speaking, and the city council is their voice.
10:14 pm on August 30th, 2011
So the city is to be run by the Council, a legislative body? That’s called a city-manager form of government, last I heard. But we have an ELECTED mayor.
Did the Council just do a mini-recall? Wow!
Way I see it, the public continues to lose as long as our elected officials spend all their time fighting instead of working together for the good of the city.
5:53 am on August 31st, 2011
This is the real Mitch I and the post at 8;05PM was me and not the loser who is either a renegade from the OFD or a goofball, most likely both. As far as using another name, me thinks you have been doing that all along, right Mac?
7:33 am on August 31st, 2011
What’s the big deal?
The City Charter says that the City Council has the authority to negotiate with the unions.
How does that constitute an unfair labor practice?
Also, comparing the Council to a snake deserves at least a reprimand to LeClair by his boss,the Mayor,doesn’t it?…………. Or maybe Suttle agrees(he called them ‘hostage holders’).
7:35 am on August 31st, 2011
Was the absence of Gernandt and Gray a form of “blue flu”?
7:39 am on August 31st, 2011
I think having an independent negotiator deal with the fire union is a much better idea than trusting a mayor who’s practically on OFD’s payroll. I don’t know why they didn’t do this sooner.
And for the union thugs trolling on this board: give it up. The people paying for your salaries, health care, and pension are going to have a say in this contract whether you like it or not.
7:44 am on August 31st, 2011
The Council originally gave negotiation authority to Ed Zorinsky…………………..I knew Ed Zorinsky……………..Jim Suttle is no Ed Zorinsky!
8:00 am on August 31st, 2011
There is not an issue with having council negotiate. The unfair part comes when instead of voting on a Contract already negotiated you change the negotiating team.
8:12 am on August 31st, 2011
I love how people take the use of a common analogy “snake without a head” and turn it into him calling council members snakes. it’s kind of sad how much some people will spin to bolster themselves up.
9:02 am on August 31st, 2011
Taxpayer..
The original deal was not “fair” to the ones that have to pay for it.
9:04 am on August 31st, 2011
And I don’t see much “give and take” when LeClair and Suttle both said to “approve the original contract”. Where is the compromise in doing that?
10:06 am on August 31st, 2011
kevin the give and take happened over the several years that the OFD has been without a contract. over that time negotiations were in process. public doesn’t really here about it until an agreement is made. then the council muddies up the waters pulling their political stunts. They are making demands not negotiating.
10:14 am on August 31st, 2011
For all of you who think this is a good thing, please let me know how you will make it all the Mayor’s fault when they fail to agree to anything amongst themselves. They couldn’t even agree to the contract changes they all wanted. They had a contract, and if there were changes they wanted to make, they had the chance. They voted down most of EACH OTHER’S changes, and when a couple of them didn’t get their way, they voted down the whole thing. That is the lack of leadership the fire department is taliking about. I am dubious about this group being able to work together, let alone with any of the unions, but since this is what they are doing, I wish them well. If they can come together, hire someone who can do what they want him to AND get the fire union to agree to what they want, then kudos. I will be making popcorn to watch the show…
10:17 am on August 31st, 2011
PS – for those of you who want to claim that Gray and Gernandt were gone for any other reason, Ben Gray was burying his nephew and Gary Gernandt was recovering from surgery, Franklin Thompson pointed that out. Don’t throw stones when there is a good reason you simply were unaware of. Sympathies and get well wishes.
10:23 am on August 31st, 2011
DANNY: You made me laugh so hard. “blue flu’ it fits doesn’t it? Gernandt will vote for anything the two unions want he is their ‘boy’ and ben he just gets more from the mayor/city when he sides with dumb suttle. The council should have made this move when ALL negotiations started not sure now is the best time but something happened to snap the head of jerram wonder what?? maybe the firemen were boycotting his law business or bothering his clients had to be big for him to turn the other way. Gray and gernandt need to be replaced Gernandt to me has a conflict of interest anyway.He was for the fire contract before he read it he had just a summary and said YES YES YES. Wow they think we were all born last night…..
10:49 am on August 31st, 2011
And Suttle and LeClair dictating that the original contract be passed is negotiating? I don’t think so. Sounds more like “our way, or no way”.
11:17 am on August 31st, 2011
Kevin- are you freaking serious? That is exactly what the council is doing. “Its our way, or the highway”. Why do you villify the union and mayor when the council is doing the same thing? Once again negotiations are GIVE & TAKE. YOU CANNOT JUST MAKE DEMANDS WITHOUT SOME SORT OF COMPROMISE. THAT IS NOT HOW NEGOTIATIONS WORK!!!! you people are as hypocritical as you think the ofd is.
12:34 pm on August 31st, 2011
kevin not sure how w can make it any more clear. the city council was not the negotiating team. they had city paid people to do that they ignored them and took things into their own hands negating all previous work. now they are being sued for unfair labor practices and cir has to rule on the contract.
3:23 pm on August 31st, 2011
Does the fire dept. and police dept. have something on Gernandt from his previous stint with OPD? Just asking.
4:11 pm on August 31st, 2011
First of all, clown, I never said that the council was the negotiator. They are (were) the stamp of approval.
Now…
Why should the city council approve a contract that they do not feel is fair to those who pay for it?
Understand?
5:59 pm on August 31st, 2011
ahhh name calling weapon of choice for the weak and slow minded. Every statement you make shows complete ignorance of how the process works. When we try and explain it in grade school terms you call names. Which should not be a surprise. Hurry back to work before the burgers burn.
6:11 pm on August 31st, 2011
Ohhh.. You union folk have me quaking in my boots.
You are just sad now that the decision making is in the hands of the council. The days of having a contract tossed to them by the mayor with a directive of “approve this” are over.
Get over yourself.
7:54 pm on August 31st, 2011
I have come to the conclusion that all the anti OFD posters here, are slightly goofy, or maybe even on drugs. So, having said that, I do belive the OFD will be going to the CIR, you will all be paying higher property taxes, and I, whether you like it or not, will be laughing all the way to the bank to cash in my back pay check. Happy Trails all.
9:12 pm on August 31st, 2011
Oh New Name, you are a typical OFD phoney, just like your union officers.
10:49 am on September 1st, 2011
Charlie: Yes from what I heard they do have ‘stuff’ about Gernandt.
New name: How can the fire union file an unfair labor practice against the ‘council’ when they were NOT negotiating with the council but the mayor, his staff and his selected attorney??? Technically the council just took over the negotiation process right??? Just asking since you have all the answers us morons don’t understand about anything.
PS We get negotiation is a give and take but we also know (anyone who has been in a union) you may not get a ‘wage’ increase but you get increases in longevity or specialty pay so you can say you took a 1% wage increase. Am I right or still a moron????
Base pay does that include longevity, specialty pay, shift pay, overtime, clothing allowances, etc? Just askin’
Health care firemen will have to pay 7% for a family policy?? How much would that be? what is the deductible? Just askin’
and DROP how much could you collect and retire with in about 3 years plus then have a monthly pension too?
11:57 am on September 1st, 2011
Which fireman broke your heart? You come on here and rant all the time. You should see a shrink because it seems anytime OFD or “Barry” are mentioned you get delusional and start spouting nonsense. I’d go into answering your questions but you like every other know nothing teabagger only hear what you want. If you want help I’d gladly get it for you buy you need to admit to your problem first.
12:13 pm on September 1st, 2011
You have answered your own question Jazzee, you are indeed a moron.
3:41 pm on September 1st, 2011
because they refused to vote on a fairly negotiated contract. they have not voted yes or no. they have now tabled it. we have gone over all the other issues multiple times. never called anyone a moron. but making stuff up is pretty common on this board.
6:09 pm on September 1st, 2011
No matter if you are for or against OFD, I dont care. But for those familiar with labor law (read that carefully, the word is LAW), which is time tested with case after case, all the way to the Supreme Court of the land, this city council just pulled the most bone headed move in Omaha history.
Years ago negotiating labor contracts was a job legislated over to the Mayor. Maybe it got off couse over the years, maybe not. You can debate that forever, and I know you will. But let me assure you of one thing, 7 elected city council people will not be able to manage this process. If you are one who thought it was bad, well get ready for worse. If you are one who thought it couldnt get worse, only better, get your rosary out.
Laughable. Purely and simply laughable.
6:32 pm on September 1st, 2011
I give up I don’t have the time to try and keep up with this loser. should be pretty easy to tell who the fake is.
6:53 pm on September 1st, 2011
The city council has the right to take over contract negotiations. When someone accepts money from such as the Omaha Fire Union they should remove themselves from the process completely. It wont look like it does now. Suttle recieved $30,000 for his election campaign from the fire union. Jerram recieved $10,000 also. The union is backing Suttle, and curses Jerram for not siding with them, and will not support him any further. It is even more apparent when the union instead of just saying they went to the table and worked very hard to get a fair contract for it’s members and the city of Omaha, and are disappointed with the outcome. Instead it seems to me the union decided it is better to call names and cry foul. All Suttle cares about is the “credit rating” and I honeslty believe he would sell his mother if that is what it took. I don’t think he really cared what was in the contract.
I am a union man but I am embarrassed to be associated with the likes of these people. That is not what the union represents, and it disgusts me to see these kinds of tactics being used. There is no way the union can go back to the table and negotiate after conducting themselves as they have. Mr. LeClair, you are a disgrace to your office, and unprofessional as you are you don’t deserve the position to which you hold.
11:16 pm on September 1st, 2011
New Name needs to look up the word ‘hypocrite’
In one post he/she calls someone ‘weak minded’ for name calling, yet a few posts down, calls someone else a moron.
7:50 am on September 2nd, 2011
James someone keeps using my post names I try and change them they do the same. I have used several names now.
12:11 pm on September 2nd, 2011
Hey New Name? Just askin’ questions and you continue to call me names and tell me I don’t get it. feel better? Good the city is screwed because of the council, the city is also screwed because of the unions and all the mayors in this town promising too much and refusing to lead. I have tried to be reasonable but you don’t pay attention to that. Here is what I really think: YOU AND I ARE LOSING THE BATTLE BECAUSE THE IDIOTS YOU THINK ARE YOUR FRIENDS AND THE ONES I THINK ARE MINE CARE LESS ABOUT US——–THEY WANT US FIGHTING EACH OTHER AND AS LONG AS WE DO THAT THEY ARE HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!! We sir are the dumb ones they are tearing this country apart and we sit back–me and you–and allow it to happen. This isn’t just about UNIONS it is about all of us…..in this great country. So laugh telling me I don’t get it but the BIG BOYS GET IT AND THEY LAUGH ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK WHILE WE FIGHT EACH OTHER
12:13 pm on September 2nd, 2011
PS NO firemam broke my heart and oh goodness some are my friends!! How about that one??????