Wilson Files Bill to Help Part Time Employees

State Senator Jim Wilson recently filed legislation to authorize the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to create a voluntary Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program. Senate Bill 1385 would allow part time employees to receive unemployment insurance payments.

“In this tough economy, businesses are being forced to make hard decisions. My bill would allow employers to cut back hours without laying people off and those whose hours have been reduced can supplement their income with unemployment payments,” said Wilson, D-Tahlequah. “The idea is that fewer people lose their jobs while keeping wages up at a level higher than a part time salary.”

Employers wanting to participate in the program would have to submit written shared work plans to the Commission for approval. Before approval, employers would have to agree to furnish the Commission with reports relating to the operation of the shared work plan.