Oklahoma Labor and Employment Law

Stay informed on Oklahoma employment laws and avoid costly lawsuits or state penalties
By Amy Jo Garner, Consultant Labor laws in Oklahoma may seem complex, but observing them can actually be quite simple. Oklahoma requires every employer to post current employment and wage laws in a conspicuous place that employees have access to. In addition, you should make sure you have employment policies in place that prevent you or any of your managers from violating the laws.

You can take a few simple steps to make sure you stay in compliance with Oklahoma labor law. Here are a few things you should do:

1. Provide an employee handbook which includes all expectations, your EEO statement, your drug policy, vacation and sick leave policies, and conditions for dismissal.

2. Hire qualified human resources personnel and train your managers in Oklahoma labor laws in order to avoid problems when interviewing, hiring and firing employees.

3. Review employee performance on a regular basis and avoid showing favoritism either in assignments or pay.

Understand OK labor laws and stay out of trouble

You don't have to go back to law school to understand Oklahoma employment laws. However, you and especially your HR department, should take time to regularly review current regulations. In addition, you need to make sure you have the most current Oklahoma labor and employment law posters up and in plain view.
Try:  The Oklahoma Department of Labor provides PDF documents covering every area of employment law that affects Oklahoma employers. If you hire teenagers, the department also provides a simple guide to Oklahoma child labor laws. You can purchase or download employment law posters from The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. The most convenient way to meet the requirement for posting Federal and Oklahoma labor laws is to purchase an all-in-one poster from the Poster Compliance Center.

Look up Oklahoma state employment law on the Internet

If you ever have a question about Oklahoma labor and employment statutes, turn to the Web to get the information you need.
Try:  The Matthies Law Firm provides an easy-to-use index to Oklahoma work laws. You'll find entries for everything from smoker's rights to time off to vote. For access to all labor laws in Oklahoma, turn to PEO7.com; just be aware that it does not include a search function.

Turn to Oklahoma employment law firms when you need advice

If, despite your best efforts, you find yourself in a conflict with an employee, you should consult with an attorney who specializes in employment law. Many attorneys only take cases representing wronged employees, but large firms should have an attorney who can advise and possibly represent you in case of a law suit.
Try:  The FindLaw Lawyer Directory lists employment lawyers by city. Lawyers.com can also connect you with an Oklahoma labor law attorney. You may want to contact one of the members of the Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association.

• The easiest way to stay in compliance with Oklahoma work laws is to treat every employee equally and fairly. Most disputes occur when an employer discriminates based on age, gender or race or engages in unfair pay practices.