Cleveland Pays $325,000 to Settle Suit Over Hiring

A lawsuit a union filed in 1994 over Cleveland’s hiring practices has been settled for $325,000.

The Plain Dealer reports the city paid the money this month to cover legal costs incurred by the Civil Service Employees Association. Cleveland also agreed that all new hires would take a required civil service exam within one year.

In its lawsuit, the union had contended that officials hired temporary employees who were permitted to stay on without taking the exam. A judge said the practice exposed the city to allegations of cronyism, corruption and political payback.

Cleveland interim Law Director Barbara Langhenry says Mayor Frank Jackson has been aggressive about making sure city employees are tested. Jackson has been mayor since 2006.