OPEA

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 4, 2009) – The Oklahoma Public Employees Association is claiming victory as the Corporation Commission announced it will not furlough employees. 

“This is great news for the Commission’s 450 employees,” said OPEA Deputy Director Scott Barger.  “When we heard of the plans to close the agency one day a month and furlough employees, OPEA immediately went into action. We met with legislative leaders and officials from the Corporation Commission in an effort to keep employees on the job.  We want to commend them for their hard work.”

According to published reports, Commission officials say they have received confirmation from the Governor’s office and legislators to broaden the use of existing earmarked funds to pay for operational expenses, pending legislative approval early next session.  Additionally, 20 employees have accepted voluntary buyouts, and a reduction-in-force of five workers.

“The OPEA has been working hard to stop these furloughs,” Barger said.  “State agencies and our employees are already over-worked and under-paid.  Any cuts would not only be devastating financially to state employees, but also to Oklahoma citizens who depend on these services.

“We are not out of the woods yet,” Barger said.  “Last month State Treasurer Scott Meacham painted a bleak picture, and said he doesn’t think we’ve hit bottom yet.  That’s a frightening statement, and one that ought to make every state employee sit up and take notice.  Will they have a job next month or next year?  OPEA is doing everything in our power to protect them and keep their livelihoods intact.

“While we are happy that furloughs will not be necessary, we are still very concerned with the announcement of plans to go forward with a RIF (reduction-in-force),” Barger said.  “Our work is not over, and we are going to continue trying to help these employees.”

The OPEA is also urging all state agencies to curb expenditures and limit all unnecessary travel.

“In light of the current budget crisis, we want to reiterate to agencies, as well as our state’s leaders, that travel needs to be curtailed.  If a trip is not absolutely necessary, it should be eliminated,” Barger said. 

OPEA is asking for a meeting with the Governor to discuss issuing an executive order that will reduce unnecessary travel in an effort to reduce costs.

Oklahoma Public Employees Association (www.opea.org) is a non-profit labor organization that has represented the interests of state employees at the Capitol in Oklahoma since 1975.

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