Statement from Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre on Labor Commissioner Costello’s comments about state workers

“State Labor Commissioner Mark Costello’s comments this week comparing state workers to feral hogs was atrocious and completely unprofessional. I think the Commissioner has forgotten that his job is to protect state workers not undermine them, which seems to be the purpose of his newly created nonprofit.

I’m frustrated that none of the state employee unions such as the Oklahoma Public Employees Association, the Oklahoma Education Association or others have called him out on his recent bad judgment in making these hostile remarks. I hope they will join me in asking for his immediate resignation. He has insulted our hardworking state workers, who for the most part, as I know from decades of personal experience, are underpaid and underappreciated. They shouldn’t have to suffer degrading remarks from the state official whose main job is to look out for their well-being.

I also question the creation of the Parity for Oklahoma nonprofit. He was elected to run a state agency, not a nonprofit. I think he needs to focus on the job he was elected to do.”