No verdict yet on labor court (Ne & Omaha Steve)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20110414/NEWS01/704149843/1007#no-verdict-yet-on-labor-court

By Paul Hammel
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

LINCOLN — A proposal to change a much-maligned Nebraska labor court appears to satisfy many concerns of state and municipal officials, but business groups continued to raise objections at a special legislative hearing Wednesday.

A particular target of criticism was the lack of provisions regarding labor rulings that involve public schools and teachers.

State Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion called that a “gaping hole” in the legislation. Business groups said schools aren't subject to the comprehensive reforms proposed for cities and state government.

“The legislation does not seem to address schools,” Smith said. “At least there's a starting point with the other public sectors.”

The divided opinions came during testimony on a proposal to overhaul the Commission of Industrial Relations, a five-member panel that decides labor disputes between local governments and public employees.

The hearing marked the first public airing of Legislative Bill 397, billed as a compromise intended to address criticism that the CIR handcuffs local officials in their efforts to control labor costs.

FULL story and photos at link.