State worker unions continue contract negotiations with Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) -Nebraska Association of Public Employees made a push to get more members signed up as they continue contract negotiations with the state.

The union held its “organizing blitz” event Wednesday with a goal of reaching over 2,000 new members by the end of the week.

“For far too long employees have been very underpaid, right now some mechanics and engineers are making around $18 an hour and the market price for that is far above,” said Hannah Middleton, a union field rep. “There is a reason there are so many vacancies and so much turnover and it’s because we are underpaid and we are not getting our fair share.”

Union officials are currently in the middle of contract negotiations with the state looking to secure a fair contract for workers.

Officials are advocating for wage increases that exceed inflation, paid parental leave, greater payouts for sick leave and more.

The union currently represents over 8,000 government workers throughout the state and is looking to grow.

In-person contract negotiations are happening all over Lincoln and union officials say proposals have been swapped with both parties.

The negotiation window is open now and could last until Dec. 31.

Union officials hope to have a contract signed by the end of the year, but if not, negotiations will continue into January.