It came as a shock to eleven employees in the Department of Revenue’s Individual Income Tax Collections unit when they received layoff notices in early October. With no notice, the employees were given letters, and escorted out of their worksites in Lincoln and Scottsbluff.
In Scottsbluff, management decided to close the entire office, leaving the next closest tax payer assistance office in North Platte and the entire staff with layoff notices. In Lincoln, laid off staff members were escorted out of the building immediately, even though many had bumping rights or could fill vacant positions.
“It was really jarring,” said NAPE member Ashley Bivens. “I never thought my job would be eliminated considering the important work we do.” Members in the individual income tax collections unit are tasked with collecting delinquent tax accounts. Currently, there are more than $130 million in delinquent taxes owed to the State of Nebraska.
“I take a lot of pride in my work,” said NAPE member Thao Tang. “I’m just shocked that the state would no longer employ us to collect Revenue that the state is owed.” NAPE/AFSCME Executive Director Justin Hubly called the move penny-wise and pound foolish in an interview with 10/11 News.
In its reduction in force memo, the Department of Revenue stated it plans to automate the collections process using technology, but did not elaborate on its plans. NAPE member Brandon Brown says, “It’s just not possible to collect all those taxes automatically.”
Employees subject to the layoff in Lincoln were able to either fill vacant positions or exercise bumping rates under the terms of our contract. In Scottsbluff, the employees were simply laid off because the nearest office was in North Platte, and the agency failed to allow other alternatives to the layoff. Our members in Scottsbluff are pursuing a grievance to enforce their rights.
We expect further layoffs at various state agencies as budgets are cut in accordance with the Governor’s directives. It’s important that union members know their rights in the event of a layoff. We will host a virtual training on Monday, December 1 at 7pm central time. Click here to register.