Oklahoma City – On Thursday, Representatives Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, and Rick West, R-Heavener, raised concerns about resignation emails allegedly sent to state employees by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). The lawmakers addressed letters to the governor and ODMHSAS Commissioner Joshua Anderson regarding the communications.
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Grego and West stated, "As legislators representing constituents who are employees impacted by the recent privatization of four state Behavioral Health Clinics, we write to share the concerns that have been brought to our attention by the employees." They noted that these employees are facing significant uncertainty during the transition, which affects their employment, benefits, and families.
The legislators received a copy of a resignation email sent to employees in their districts. This email, featuring ODMHSAS letterhead and the commissioner's name, left critical fields blank, including the recipient's name, position, and last day of work. The email template reads, "Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as ____ at _____. My last day of employment will be ____. Sincerely ____.
Grego and West expressed concern that employees throughout the state may have received similar emails, leading to confusion about their employment status. They noted that employees are worried whether they are being coerced into resignation and how this may impact their benefits, compensation, or retirement considerations.
The legislators highlighted that this situation follows the privatization of community mental health facilities, including one in McAlester, which serves ten counties in Southeast Oklahoma. Reports suggest that some employees feel the language of the communication contradicts previous assurances regarding job security.
Grego and West emphasized the need for clear information before employees are asked to act on any communications that could affect their job status or benefits. They requested clarification on whether employees are required to resign, how such a resignation would impact their eligibility for benefits or transition assistance, and if any aspects of the transition have changed.
"These individuals have dedicated themselves to serving some of Oklahoma's most vulnerable citizens," Grego and West wrote. They concluded that the uncertainty surrounding employment status adds to the already significant burden these employees face.