OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A county workers union is suing Douglas County to block an outsourcing plan.
Douglas County has looked for ways to decrease the $12 million annual operating subsidy to Douglas County Health Center. County officials are following a consultant's recommendation to lower costs, which include outsourcing certain tasks.
In September, the County Board awarded a company a $365,000 contract to handle the center's laundry. The move eliminated seven union jobs.
Other union employees also face losing their jobs, including workers who answer county switchboard calls.
The Employees United Labor Association argues the outsourcing plan is more about undermining the union than saving money. The union wants an injunction and temporary restraining order to halt the layoffs.
Douglas County's administrator and county board chairwoman declined to comment to the Omaha World-Herald on active litigation.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.