SCS/SBs 547 & 600 - This act allows public employees not otherwise exempted to elect designees to participate in good faith negotiations with public bodies.

This act applies to state and local government employees, except: deputy sheriffs, Highway Patrol, National Guard, elected and appointed officials, members of boards and commissions, employees in personnel offices, temporary employees, part-time student teaching, judges, inmates and patients of institutions and employees of any legislative body.

The State Board of Mediation administers collective bargaining laws.

The process of selecting a bargaining representative is detailed (elections, certification and decertification of representatives).

Strikes are prohibited. Violation may result in a fine, decertification of the bargaining representative, loss of certain employment rights, and confinement in the county jail. The criminal penalty for striking is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months or $500).

This act allows for mediation and arbitration. Any agreement reached still goes through the normal budget process and allows for a contract period of up to 3 years.

This act requires a minimum 25% African American, 10% other minorities and 10% female participation in training, employment and recruitment, where such minorities are available in the labor force.
DAVID VALENTINE