By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – A labor union sued the state of Missouri Tuesday, claiming certain government workers are being denied a pay raise because of union activity.
Lawmakers approved a $1,200 pay raise for most state workers for the fiscal year starting next month.
The measure awaits the governor's signature. But legislative leaders say probation and parole officers should not get the raise, because they received a pay increase in December of about the same amount.
The Service Employees International Union Local 2000 represents probation and parole officers.
The union and says the new raise is being denied because of officers' union membership.
But Senate Budget Committee Chairman John Russell says the union is using the courts to try to get around legislative intent.