Campbell helped form county's road union, now looks to resolve disputes from management side

FALLS CITY – The Richardson County Board’s newest member would not elaborate Tuesday on a statement he offered to the county board April 16 saying it was time to resolve labor issues with roads department workers.

Meeting minutes say Campbell’s statement included a description of the period dating back to the formation of the union and his opinion that it is time to resolve current disputes.

The Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations filed a findings of facts following a trial in April of 2023.

The court found no evidence that the county offered a 10 percent raise on the condition that members dissolved the union.

Road workers say there was no legitimate offer made under the collective bargaining process and contend they have not received a salary increase since July of 2022.

In July of 2024, 14 NAPE/AFSCME members working for the roads department filed for an impasse saying they had worked for a year without a contract.

A NAPE press release says proposed wage increases are tied to concessions, including making county commissioners the final decision-maker in all grievances, giving up certain paid leave and striking language in the union contract pertaining to federal OSHA protections.

Campbell, who was elected to represent district 2 in November to replace 16-year commissioner David Sickel, advised settling with the union out of court. Campbell said he could not comment when reached by telephone Tuesday.