15 Layoff Notices Issued in North Las Vegas | News

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. --  In a news release issued earlier today, North Las Vegas officials say pink slips have gone out to 15 members of the Teamster's Union.

City leaders authorized City Manager Tim Hacker to initiate the layoffs with a unanimous vote Tuesday night. They say for months the city has asked unions to stop raises for two years and benefit increases, but claim representatives of the agencies have refused.

Hacker says North Las Vegas averages the highest salaries in the nation and that $8 out of every $10 the city spends are on wages. North Las Vegas firefighters say Hacker is not being truthful to the public. They claim they have bargained in good faith and agreed to eight rounds of concessions worth $20 million over the last four years.

Mayor Shari Buck issued a letter to the unions, urging them to return to the bargaining table. Her letters were sent in advance of the City's issuing the first round of layoff notices to 15 Teamsters on Thursday. More layoff notices will be sent on Monday to conform to the Teamster's bargaining agreement, which requires a 30-day notice.

If no accord is reached with unions by July 1, the layoffs of 217 employees will go into effect.