Procedures are detailed for elections, certification and decertification of bargaining representatives.

Negotiations and specific impasse procedures are established, which includes a mediation and arbitration process.

After reaching a negotiated agreement, the public employer shall request funds from the appropriate legislative body, which must be approved, otherwise those portions of the agreement which require funding do not take effect, however, any remaining provisions which do not require funding and do not conflict with state statute, ordinance or order of the appropriate public body become effective.

It shall be unlawful for public employees to strike, and penalties are provided, including fines, decertification of the bargaining representative, forfeiture of seniority and tenure rights, and a class a Misdemeanor upon conviction for striking.

Current law provides that certain employees shall not have the right to meet and confer. Such employees are: police, deputy sheriffs, highway patrol, National Guard and teachers of all Missouri schools, colleges and universities. This act removes the prohibition to meet and confer from police and school teachers.

The provisions of this act shall not apply to certain other employees, including: elected and certain appointed officials, members of boards and commissions, representatives of a public employer, "confidential employees" (who work in personnel offices), temporary employees (4 months or less), part-time student teaching, research and service assistants, judges, inmates and patients of institutions, the Highway Patrol and legislative body employees.

The Board of Mediation may adopt rules pertaining to specific matters necessary to implement this act. Any such rule shall be promulgated pursuant to Chapter 536, RSMo, and as detailed in this act.

MARGARET J. TOALSON