SCS/SBs 156 & 185 - This act allows public employees not otherwise exempted to elect designees to meet and confer and participate in good faith negotiations with public bodies. It 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 process of selecting a bargaining representative is detailed (elections, certification and decertification of representatives).

Strikes are unlawful, with penalties of fines, 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 (appropriations, with the proposal submitted by the Governor, etc.).

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

This act also requires a minimum 25% African American, 10% other minorities and 10% female participation in apprenticeship programs with labor organizations.

Additionally, this act requires a minimum 25% African American, 10% other minorities and 10% female participation in non-elected representative and administrative positions in the labor organization that represents the employees.

The State Board of Mediation administers collective bargaining laws.
MARGARET J. TOALSON