Fate of city employees’ health insurance plan in judge’s hands
There were three hours of testimony in a hearing Wednesday, but the decision on whether or not
"I'm going to read what the contract says," Shively said -- a point reiterated throughout the hearing.
The union, represented by attorney
The police contract was signed and approved earlier this year, but the firefighters' 2017 contract isn't even technically approved yet since
Wednesday's hearing included testimony from
Both groups agree the city presented a set of premiums and costs in August and continued to roll back those figures after the city met with union officials throughout the fall. But did those meetings count as "nnegotiations?"
Sides said in court the city never officially reopened negotiations with the police union to discuss the changes. Zuber said, "absolutely not," when asked if he thought contract negotiations were opened for the health plan changes.
In its lawsuit, the unions allege the city made the changes without reopening negotiations.
In a court brief filed last week, city attorneys argue the city's contract only makes the city obligated to provide participation in the plan, and that any increases in premiums have to be at least equal to increases for other city employees.
City attorney
Open enrollment for city employees has already closed. Shively said he knows "time is of the essence."
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