(Lincoln, NE) -- Employees in Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services can now wear blue jean to work, following a ruling by the Nebraska Supreme Court.
On Friday, the high court sided with the state employees after union members filed a grievance due to the DHHS making changes to their dress code in 2019. The changes to the dress code stated that casual attire, like jeans, t-shirts and sneakers, would no longer be allowed Mondays through Thursdays. In filing the grievance in early 2020, union members stated that the department violated their contract by failing to give the proper notice about the changes and that DHHS didn't negotiate the change with the union.
The grievance ended up in front of the Nebraska Supreme Court because the DHHS had challenged two prior arbiter and district court rulings, that also ruled in favor of the union. "This case was about basic contract enforcement, and we are thankful the court affirmed our rights," said Nebraska Association of Public Employees President Melissa Haynes.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services can still appeal the State Supreme Court ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.