The City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Public Schools Tuesday won another opportunity to present their case in a legal battle with their unions over $130 million in payments for salary steps workers lost during a three-year wage freeze.

Without comment, the State Court of Appeals ruled that it will consider the case, which dates back to July 2007, when the wage freeze was lifted.

State Supreme Court Justice John A. Michalek ruled in November 2007 that thousands of employees must be placed on the salary steps they would have attained had the control board not imposed a wage freeze.

That decision was later upheld by the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court, making it appear that members of the municipal and school unions were in line to receive the step increases.

However, the Court of Appeals Tuesday exercised its option to review the case.

“I’m very pleased,” said Michael Looby, the attorney for the Buffalo Public Schools. “I think it presents the possibility of taking a fresh look at the entire issue.”

Buffalo Teachers Federation President Philip Rumore said he is confident the unions will ultimately succeed.

The dispute involves pay for police, firefighters, teachers and school administrators.