Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert’s office says layoff notices are going to 19 firefighters.
In a news release, Mayor Stothert says the layoffs are a result of the city and Local 385 not being able to reach an agreement on staffing changes. The layoffs are effective as of January fourth.
Stothert says “in light of the fact that the fire department is $6.2 million over budget in 2013, it is imperative that the city meet the 2014 budget.” She says layoffs have always been part of the discussion to meet the 2014 budget, but weren’t a preferred option.
Omaha Public Radio has reached out to the Omaha Professional Firefighters Association for comment.