State workers union launches ad campaign against collective bargaining repeal

Tuesday, March 1st 2005, 6:15 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A union that represents city workers and firefighters across Oklahoma is urging lawmakers not to repeal a state law that requires some cities to collectively bargain with their workers.

American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees spokesman Blaine Rummel says the union geared up the ad campaign in the hopes of convincing lawmakers to leave the law in place.

That could be difficult as officials from dozens of cities affected by the Oklahoma Municipal Employee Collective Bargaining Act plan to rally at the state Capitol Wednesday in support of getting rid of the law.

Oklahoma Municipal League executive director Danny George says local officials should be able to decide how to best solve disputes.

Right now, state workers don't have the right to collective bargaining.

The Republican-controlled House is expected to vote to get rid of the law on Wednesday. The bill's author, Republican Representative Bill Case says allowing collective bargaining could lead to a decline in services.