Omaha Housing Authority fires 18 workers; union says it was 'blindsided'

(Local 251 is my old local I retired through.)

By Dan Crisler Dec 10, 2021

The Omaha Housing Authority announced the termination of 18 utility workers Friday, a development that the union president said left members “blindsided.”

The elimination of the utility worker position comes after OHA and Nebraska Public Employees Local 251 could not agree to amend the current collective bargaining agreement to OHA’s request for more scheduling flexibility for snow removal at OHA properties, which consist of about 2,700 public housing units.

The immediate termination of the 18 utility workers, who handled custodial and groundskeeping duties, constitutes all of the employees who held those positions.

In a press release, OHA said it has contracted with several local vendors to provide snow removal and janitorial services at its housing developments. The OHA said it will pay terminated workers through the end of the year.

FULL story: https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/omaha-housing-authority-fires-18-workers-union-says-it-was-blindsided/article_d738a530-59f0-11ec-a359-43c282acb303.html