GIEA Lawsuit Heads to Trial

A lawsuit between the Grand Island Education Association and the Grand Island Public Schools is heading to trial. In January, the GIEA filed a complaint to the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations, or the CIR, claiming that Grand Island Public Schools is misclassifying several members of its staff who are filling vacant positions as long-term substitutes and paying them much less than they would make under the GIEA’s collective bargaining agreement. On March 28, the CIR denied a motion by GIPS that was filed Feb. 3 to dismiss the complaint. In its ruling, the commission said GIEA “has pled sufficient facts to state a prohibited practice claim.” The CIR has set the matter for trial and it will start either on July 21 or if necessary, July 22