The firm is one of the leading public sector labor law firms in the State of Nebraska.
Attorney Gary Young successfully counsels and aggressively handles complex negotiations and collective bargaining for these clients.
Included among our clients are many of the major leading law enforcement unions in the State of Nebraska. For example:
Keating, O’Gara Attorney Gary Young Fights Against Unfair Labor Practice
Public employee groups have grown accustomed to governmental agencies ignoring their bargaining agreements and, from time to time, doing as the agency pleases. However, such actions are not only a violation of trust by the agency, they often consititute a breach of contract or an unfair labor practice.
Employee groups are starting to fight back. In one Nebraska county, for example, Keating, O’Gara attorney Gary Young helped the Fraternal Order of Police stop an attempt by the county sheriff to ignore the bargaining agreement and negotiate directly with a favorite employee for a special wage and benefit side deal, meant for him only.
Faced with the reality that the actions of the sheriff were an unfair labor practice, the county commissioners rethought the plan.
The firm also represents individuals who have been illegally or unfairly discriminated against in their employment. A recent case involved an individual who suffered discrimination on the basis of a disability:
Former Beatrice bank worker wins appeal
Saturday, Mar 14, 2009 – 09:00:17 am CDT
The Associated PressOMAHA – A federal appeals court has reversed a lower court’s decision against a former Beatrice bank worker who said he lost his job because of his rare voice disorder.
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday said the U.S. District Court was wrong to rule in favor of First National of Nebraska before trial and against Jeffrey Willnerd. There are significant facts in the case that warrant a jury trial.
The case has been sent back to the federal court.
First National is the parent company of First National Bank.
Willnerd, of Beatrice, sued First National in 2005, saying the company’s decision to eliminate his job and refuse to rehire him violated rights guaranteed by the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Years earlier, Willnerd was diagnosed with a neurological voice disorder that made it difficult for him to speak.
First National has said Willnerd’s job was eliminated for economic reasons. The company also said he wasn’t rehired because of the merits of other job applicants, according to court documents.
In 2007, a federal judge granted First National’s request for a summary judgment in its favor, without a trial.
But, said the three-judge appellate panel, “Because reasonable jurors could resolve these outstanding questions in Willnerd’s favor and conclude he is entitled to relief on his claims, we reverse.”
Doug Peterson, Willnerd’s Lincoln-based attorney, said he was encouraged by the decision and believes the court analysis was very complete.
Phone messages left with First National’s attorneys were not immediately returned . . . .
Contact an Experienced Labor and Employment Law Attorney
If you wish to speak with a member of the firm, or have any question for us about employment law matters, please contact our office. Our Lincoln, Nebraska, attorneys serve clients from Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, North Platte, Beatrice, Valentine, and communities throughout the State of Nebraska.
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