Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1681

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

State employees; prohibiting state employees from engaging in organized work stoppages; stating consequences for engaging in organized work stoppage. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB1681 would have significant implications for state laws governing public employment. Public employees who violate the provisions of this bill would automatically forfeit their employment along with all associated civil service rights, pensions, and benefits. Additionally, educators who breach this legislation would face the revocation of their teaching certificates, which could critically impact the teaching workforce and operations within public schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 1681 seeks to prohibit state employees from engaging in organized work stoppages, defining such actions as collective temporary cessations of work as a form of protest. The bill explicitly states that public employees, including those working in state agencies, political subdivisions, or school districts, are not permitted to strike or engage in organized work stoppages against their employers. This legislation aims to maintain continuous governmental functions while upholding the rights of the individual to stop work independently, provided it is not in concert with others.

Contention

The bill has stirred considerable debate among legislators and stakeholders. Proponents argue that it is essential for maintaining order within public services and preventing disruptions that could arise from collective actions. Detractors, however, express concerns over the potential infringement on workers' rights to protest and seek better conditions, fearing it may discourage employees from advocating for their interests. The emergency status invoked by the bill suggests urgency in its passage, reflecting pressures to uphold uninterrupted public services amid ongoing labor discussions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB505

Public employees; prohibiting public employees from organized work stoppage; providing exemption. Effective date.

OK HB2529

School employees; prohibiting specified existing organizations from continuing to represent employees; modifying prohibition against payroll deductions on behalf of certain employees; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1426

Schools; types of employee leave; prohibiting loss or transferability of accumulated sick leave for teachers and support employees due to break in employment; effective date; emergency.

OK SB158

State employees; increasing maximum number of full-time-equivalent employees for certain board. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB928

School employees; prohibiting public schools after certain date from recognizing certain collective bargaining units. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB103

State employees; requiring certain state agency to compile certain data from state employees. Effective date.

OK SB282

Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System; decreasing separation period for a retired member to return to work for former employer. Effective date.

OK SB129

Health care; prohibiting certain uses of public funds, public facilities, and public employees. Emergency.

OK SB87

State employee health insurance; increasing opt out amount received by certain employees. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB932

Education; prohibiting certain employees, volunteers, and contractors from using certain names or pronouns without written consent. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.