- Introduced -

SB 547 - 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 be subject to 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.

This act allows for a contract period of up to 3 years.

MARGARET J. TOALSON