Oklahoma cities bracing for new union regulations

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma's municipal leaders are pointing out potential problems in a state law that will require them to recognize unions for city workers.<br/><br/>State lawmakers passed the

Wednesday, September 29th 2004, 6:46 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma's municipal leaders are pointing out potential problems in a state law that will require them to recognize unions for city workers.

State lawmakers passed the measure in April. It will allow employees in cities of more than 35-thousand residents to unionize after November 1st. But city officials say the new law is flawed and unclear at best.

Lawton City Manager Larry Mitchell says officials have contacted legislators in hopes that changes will be made next year.

Cities apparently affected include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, Broken Arrow, Lawton, Norman, Midwest City, Stillwater, Enid, Muskogee, Moore and Bartlesville.

Mitchell says Lawton officials aren't necessarily against employees unionizing. But he says the law isn't clear on the process.