By Anjeanette Damon
The Reno Gazette-Journal
RENO, Nevada — The city of Reno has prevailed in its legal battle to lay off 32 firefighters, but city Manager Andrew Clinger says the jobs are safe for now.
In an opinion issued on Wednesday, the Nevada Supreme Court reversed District Judge Lidia Stiglich’s injunction preventing Reno from going through with the layoffs, finding that the fire union has no right to arbitrate the layoffs under its collective bargaining agreement. Despite the legal victory, however, Clinger said the city will not pursue the layoffs this year after finding additional funding to keep them employed until June 30.
In its decision, the Nevada Supreme Court upheld the city’s right to unilaterally pursue layoffs if it decides it does not have enough money to keep employees working. In its lawsuit to block the layoffs, Reno Fire Fighters Local 731 disputed the city’s financial condition and argued an arbitrator should be able to decide whether a “lack of funds” actually existed.
Full story: Nevada Supreme Court clears way for firefighter layoffs