- Introduced -

SB 600 - This act allows state employees not otherwise exempted to elect designees to participate in good faith negotiations with the state. Employees of political subdivisions may not participate in good faith negotiations, however, the current "meet and confer" law for such employees is retained and unchanged by this act.

This act applies to state employees, except: Highway Patrol, National Guard, elected and appointed officials, members of boards and commissions, employees in personnel offices, temporary employees, inmates and patients of state institutions and employees of the General Assembly.

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. Violators 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.

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

MARGARET J. TOALSON