Nebraska Firefighters Sue to Stop Mandatory Training Sessions

COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) -- Columbus' firefighters have sued the city to stop mandatory training sessions, saying the weekly meetings violate state statutes that guarantee they do not have to work on their days off.

The firefighters, all paid, filed the motion Tuesday in Platte County District Court against Fire Chief Dean Hefti and the city.

They had been scheduled to attend a series of two-hour training sessions on hazardous materials and operations from May through July. Any off-duty firefighters would receive overtime for attending the sessions.

Attorney John Corrigan, representing the firefighter's union, said a state statute prohibits the city from forcing firefighters to work overtime on their days off, according to court documents.

The statute, he said, only makes exceptions in cases such as emergencies or when a firefighter must make a court appearance.

Attorney Mark Fahleson, representing the city, said that a collective bargaining agreement the union entered into with the city nullifies that statute. Corrigan disagreed.

As required by the agreement, the city notified the union of the training in a March 22 memo, Fahleson said.

Attendance from the city's dozen firefighters at the first session was minimal.