(KLZA)-- The Flatwater Free Press reported in a story last week that union representatives of the employees of the Richardson County Road and Bridge Departments will go before the Commission of Industrial Relations, the state commission that resolves labor disputes between government agencies and public employees.

The employees are represented by the Nebraska Association of Public Employees.

In 2023, the union alleged the county was engaging in prohibited bargaining practices, after confusion over who was responsible for a holdup in negotiating raises.

The commission dismissed the case in November 2023.

Since 2022, the story says Richardson County has spent at least $143,000 on attorney fees and a labor consultant battling with the union over a new contract and wage increases. The road and bridge department budget covers those costs.

During the same time period elected officials received wage increases as well as office staff in county departments received pay increases ranging from $1.50 to $4 per hour.

The commissioners also approved raises for themselves: from $25,151 in 2022 to $35,316 in 2024.