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Labor Relations Division
401 SW Topeka Blvd
Topeka, KS 66603-3182

Phone: 785-296-5000 option 5
Fax: 785-296-0198
Email: KDOL.LaborRelations@ks.gov

FAQs

Are all government employees covered by the Office of Labor Relations?

No. However, each city, country, or district must willingly elect to be covered under the provisions of PEERA through a vote within the city, county, or district’ governing body. Generally, supervisory and confidential employees are excluded from coverage under PEERA.
Can I look up decisions that have been made concerning past complaints?

Yes, the decisions on past complaints can be found on our website under the Professional Negotiations Act Decisions. These decisions are searchable by date, subject or key word.
I have a question about wages I earned that were not paid to me. Can you help me with that?

Questions about unpaid wages and other Kansas workplace laws such as breaks and child labor are under the jurisdiction of the KDOL Employment Standards unit. Contact Employment Standards at (785) 296-5000 ext. 1068 or KDOL.EmploymentStandards@ks.gov
On the election form for representation, it requires 30 percent showing of interest. Is that 30 percent of the union or 30 percent of those covered by the contract?

It is 30 percent of the individuals who will be covered by the agreement being negotiated. The election will be conducted by mail. The Office of Labor Relations sends a ballot to each voter and counts the ballots when they are mailed back.
What about my public pension plan? Is KPERS subject to Labor Relations?

No, the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) is not part of the Office of Labor Relations but can be contacted at the below.

Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)
611 S Kansas Ave, Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66603-3869

(888) 275-5737 (Toll-Free)
(785) 296-6166 (Topeka)
(785) 296-0196 (FAX)
kpers@kpers.org
What if I have other questions?

You can contact the Kansas Department of Labor Office of Labor Relations at (785) 296-5000 ext. 1068 or KDOL.LaborRelations@ks.gov.
What if I want to request a mediator or fact finder?

Requests can be made by letter or e-mail. If submitting a request by letter, send the letter to 401 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66603-3182. If sending via e-mail, send to KDOL.LaborRelations@ks.gov.
What is the difference between a mediator and a fact finder?

A mediator helps to resolve contractual disputes. If the mediator is not successful in resolving a contractual dispute, they proceed to a fact finder who will issue a non-binding ruling.
Where is the form to return information to you and what do I need to send?

Please visit the Labor Relations Division page for access to all PNA and PEERA forms. Be sure to read the instructions for each type of form as the requirements do vary. Generally, you are required to submit the original and several copies. The number of copies depends on the form. The original may require notarization and cannot be submitted electronically but must be sent by Certified Mail.

Please be sure that the form is filled out completely, or it will be returned to you.
Who can represent a public employee in a labor negotiation?

For example, a public employee such as a police officers may elect the Fraternal Order of Police to represent them in a labor negotiation.
Who is a public employee?

According to statute, "public employee" means any person employed by any public agency – state, county, city, school district, etc., except those persons classified as supervisory employees or professional employees of school districts, as defined by subsection (c) of K.S.A. 72-2218, elected and management officials, and confidential employees.

Labor Relations Division

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Overview

The Labor Relations Division of the Kansas Department of Labor acts on behalf of the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) to administer the Public Employer-Employee Relations Act (PEERA) and for the Secretary of Labor to administer the Professional Negotiations Act (PNA). These Kansas laws, enacted more than 35 years ago, establish the right of public employees in Kansas to organize and negotiate with public employers regarding terms and conditions of employment and grievances.

Labor Negotiations

Public employee groups who choose to be represented in their negotiations with their public employer hold an election to determine who or what entity will represent them in the negotiations. Timing for the elections for representation are different under PEERA and PNA. PEERA allows them throughout the year while PNA has a cutoff date of December 1 for the next year’s representation for negotiations.

Below are all PNA and PEERA forms. The petition requirements and the notification about impasse are different under PERB and PNA.

Generally, when an impasse in bargaining is reached, the Office will contact the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a free service of the U.S. Department of Labor, for negotiation assistance. If the parties cannot settle, the issue goes to “fact finding.” A list of five fact-finders will be provided by the Office of Labor Relations to help the parties reach agreement over their terms and conditions of employment.

PNA agreements have a deadline of June 1 each year, but the process can be extended into the summer if there is an impasse.

The Public Employee Relations Board (PERB)

The Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) administers the Kansas Public Employer-Employee Relations Act (PEERA).

The Board handles unfair labor practice complaints against public employers, employee organizations and others. Unfair labor practice complaints generally deal with failure to act according to the Labor Relations appropriate conduct, for example, by unilateral changes in wages or hours and other working conditions.

The Board consists of five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Kansas Senate. One member is a representative of public employers; one member is a representative of public employees; three members represent the general public. No more than three members are appointed from the same political party. The Executive Director of PERB and other staff members are provided by the Department of Labor to support the Board in the administration of these public sector labor laws.

Labor Relations Resources

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Labor Relations Division

Overview

Statutes

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