
Charlie Plumb represents management in all phases of employment law and labor relations. Much of his practice is dedicated to counseling employers on compliance with a broad range of state and federal employment laws and regulations and educating management on best practices for avoiding disputes arising from the employer/employee relationship. He also has extensive litigation experience before federal and state courts, regulatory and administrative agencies, and in arbitration matters involving claims of discrimination, wrongful discharge, retaliatory discharge, breach of contract, and constitutional law violations.
As part of his labor practice, Charlie represents unionized employers in collective bargaining negotiations with labor unions, arbitrates grievances, and defends management against a variety of claims before the National Labor Relations Board and Department of Justice and in state and federal courts. He also represents employers who seek to maintain a non-unionized workforce by counseling management on union avoidance strategies and by providing training and advice to management and supervisors. His clients include numerous municipalities throughout Oklahoma and companies engaged in the manufacturing and distribution, construction, energy, public utility, technology and business services industries.
Charlie is a member of the American Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section and the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Labor Council. He is also the designated representative of McAfee & Taft as the exclusive member firm representing Oklahoma in the Employers Counsel Network, a nationwide affiliation of leading law firms providing legal assistance and representation to employers. He has previously served as leader of the firm’s Labor & Employment Group.
Charlie is a frequent speaker on labor and employment issues before state, regional and national audiences, has been interviewed by local and national media on a variety of state and federal employment law matters, and has been a guest legal columnist and contributing author to numerous business and professional publications, including The Oklahoman, The Journal Record, HRlaws.com, and EmployerLINC, a legal blog dedicated to employers and workplace issues. He is also co-editor of the Oklahoma Employment Law Letter, a monthly review of new court decisions, regulations and laws that affect state employers, as well as co-editor for the Oklahoma section of the annual guidebook for employers and human resources professionals, 50 Employment Laws in 50 States.
Charlie’s achievements have earned him inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (employment law – management; labor law – management; labor and employment litigation), Oklahoma Super Lawyers (“Top 50 Oklahoma Lawyers”), Benchmark Litigation and Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, where he has been lauded as “an impressive public speaker who utilizes his vast experience to effectively defend clients.” Researchers at Chambers & Partners also quoted market observers as admiring him for his “practicality of advice and specialized knowledge of complex legal issues,” with sources commenting that he “immediately commands respect, is always up to date and knows how to handle a problem.” He was named by Best Lawyers as the “Tulsa Labor Lawyer of the Year (Management)” in 2014, 2019 and 2024 and “Tulsa Labor and Employment Litigation Lawyer of the Year” in 2012, honors only given to a single lawyer in each legal specialty in each community.
Download Bio (PDF)Honors and Awards
- Listed in the Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
- Named a “Local Litigation Star” and “Labor & Employment Star – South” by Benchmark Litigation
- Named “Tulsa Labor Lawyer of the Year (Management)” in 2014, 2019 and 2024 and “Tulsa Labor and Employment Litigation Lawyer of the Year” in 2012 by The Best Lawyers in America
- Named “Tulsa Labor and Employment Litigation Lawyer of the Year” in 2012 and “Tulsa Labor Lawyer of the Year (Management)” in 2014 and 2019 by The Best Lawyers in America
- Listed in Oklahoma Super Lawyers
- Named to Oklahoma Super Lawyers’ list of “Top 50 Lawyers”
- Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
Professional Organizations and Memberships
- Tulsa County Bar Association
- Oklahoma Bar Association (Labor Council)
- American Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section)
- Employers Counsel Network
Civic Involvement and Leadership
- Circle Cinema Foundation (Board of Directors)
- Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, Inc. (Board of Directors)
- The Booker T. Washington Foundation (Former Member, Board of Directors)
At The Podium
How to Conduct Workplace Investigations
Cannabis in the Workplace
Investigations in the Workplace
Investigations in the Workplace
In a Location Far, Far Away: Common (But Often Forgotten) Remote Work Risks
The Incredibles: Labor & Employment “Ask the Experts” Panel
Marijuana in the Workplace
Independent Contractor or Employee? High Stakes if They are Misclassified
Labor and Employment Issues: Marijuana in the Workplace
Managing the Remote Workforce
Marijuana in the Workplace
Hot Employment Topics
Lights, Camera, Action: Fresh Take on Law Firm Video Production
Post-Supreme Court COVID Issues and Remote Work Going Forward
Ask the Experts: Labor & Employment Panel
Post-Supreme Court COVID Issues and Remote Work Going Forward
Vaccine Mandate Update
2022 Workers’ Compensation Update
Managing the Remote Workforce
Medical Marijuana in the Workplace: Three Years Later
The Continuing and Lingering Impact of COVID-19 in the Workplace
Workplace Drones and Employment Issues
Remote Recruiting and Hiring: Legal Pitfalls and Solutions
COVID-19 Vaccines: Where do employers go from here?
COVID-19 Vaccines: Where do employers go from here?
Medical Marijuana in the Workplace: Today’s issues
Documentation, Discipline and Harassment
Impact of Marijuana Legalization in the Workplace
COVID Vaccination Policies in the Workplace
Medical Marijuana: Workplace Issues
What to Expect from the Biden Administration
Managing the Remote Workforce
COVID-19 Vaccines and Employer Considerations
Labor & Employment Law Update
Employment Attorneys Discuss Legal Landscape Under Biden Administration
Employment Law in a Pandemic
The Accommodation Process and Remote Work in the Face of the Pandemic
Medical Marijuana Employment Issues
Managing the Remote Workplace
Managing the Remote Workplace
Managing the Remote Workforce
COVID-19 – Returning to Work
Update on Medical Marijuana Law
Legal Minefields in A/E/C Recruiting and Retaining: How to avoid claims, limit liability, and build a diverse workforce
How to Conduct Workplace Investigations
Medical Marijuana Employment Issues
Medical Marijuana in the Workplace: One Year Later
Medical Marijuana in the Workplace: One Year Later
Medical Marijuana in the Workplace – One Year Later
Managing military-related leave under the FMLA and USERRA
Medical Marijuana in the Workplace – One Year Later
Medical Marijuana in the Workplace – One Year Later
Medical Marijuana: Maintaining a safe workplace
Medical Marijuana in the Workplace Update
Medical Marijuana: Maintaining a safe workplace
Medical Marijuana: Maintaining a safe workplace
Medical Marijuana: Maintaining a safe workplace
Update on Medical Marijuana Law
Medical Marijuana: Maintaining a safe workplace
State of Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Legal Update
Medical Marijuana: Maintaining a safe workplace
Medical Marijuana: Maintaining a safe workplace
The Magnificent Seven: The top seven FLSA mistakes
Some Like It Hot: Ice cold answers for your burning questions
Some Like It Hot: Ice cold answers for your burning questions
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana in the Workplace: Best practices for Oklahoma employers
Understanding and Managing Intermittent FMLA Leave
Reefer Madness: Medical Marijuana in the Oklahoma Workplace
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Investigating Harassment and Discrimination Claims
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Investigating Harassment and Discrimination Complaints
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Medical Marijuana: Next steps for Oklahoma employers
Next Steps for HR as Medical Marijuana Initiative Passes
What Oklahoma Employers Need to Know About Medical Marijuana
Non-compete, no-solicitation and confidentiality agreements
What Oklahoma Employers Need to Know About Medical Marijuana
Guns at Work: How to legally balance workplace safety with local ‘parking lot’ laws
What Oklahoma Employers Need to Know About Medical Marijuana
Labor & Employment All-Star Q&A Panel
ADA Reasonable Accommodations: Extended leave, service animals and other tricky issues
Labor & Employment All-Star Q&A Panel
Trump-Era Game Changers: Snapshot of Which Employment Laws Will be Killed and Which Will Survive the New Administration
Workplace Investigations: Your Action Plan for Probing Complaints, Interviewing Witnesses, Reaching Reasoned Conclusions, and Taking Action
ADA Challenges to Banking Websites
Legal Risks Concerning Website Accessibility in Recruitment, Hiring, and Other Employment Practices
A Look Ahead: What to expect and plan for
Workplace Wellness: How to recognize, address and accommodate mental and emotional issues in the workplace
Fixed v. Variable Work Schedules: How to Administer Just-In-Time and On-Call/Reporting Time Policies Amid Growing Legislative Push Toward Predictable Scheduling Practices
Employee Handbook and Policy Updates for the Modern Workplace
Am I An Employer? Identifying Employment Relationships
Preparing for Radical Changes in Overtime Law
Punching the Clock: The New Overtime Rules
Employer, Are you ready for the radical changes to the overtime law?
Preparing for the Radical Change in Overtime Law
Expanded and Expensive: How to prepare for the new DOL overtime rules
Expanded and Expensive: How to prepare for the new DOL overtime rules
The Work/Life Balancing Act: Implementing family-friendly workplace policies
Transgender, Sexual Orientation & Stereotyping Issues in the Workplace
Let’s Talk: Engaging disabled employees in the ADA’s interactive process
Transgender, sexual orientation and stereotyping issues in the workplace
Family Friendly Workplace: How to Meet Emerging Paid Leave Obligations While Boosting Productivity and Employee Satisfaction
Workplace Investigations: HR’s Role in Resolving Crises Safely and Effectively
Workplace Investigations and FLSA Developments & Trends
Workplace Investigations: The right way to investigate wrongdoing
Give Me a Break: Wage & Hour Pitfalls for Restaurant Owners
Failure to understand the concept of pretext
Failure to understand the concept of pretext
What to Expect in 2015 from Wage & Hour
Let’s talk: Engaging disabled employees in the ADA’s interactive process
FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Comp Overlap: Strategies for Overcoming New Compliance Challenges BLR—Business and Legal Resources Conference Webinar
Vaping in the Workplace: Current Compliance Challenges E-Cigarettes May Ignite
Expert Panel: HR’s Employment Law Outlook for 2015 and Beyond
Same-Sex Spouses: What the changing legal landscape means for employers
Social Media Issues in the Workplace
Employee Handbook Update: What to Change, What to Keep, and What to Throw Away
‘Social’ Security — Protecting your company from the hidden pitfalls of social media
Social Media Challenges in the Workplace
Avoiding litigation after an employee leaves
Government agency hot button issues
Government agency hot button issues
Social Media Challenges in the Workplace
After DOMA—Understanding New Laws, Guidance Regarding the Treatment of Same-Sex Spouses in the Workplace
Mental Health in the Workplace: How the ADA and FMLA Apply and Overlap
Social Media Challenges in the Workplace
Social Media and Workplace Challenges
After DOMA — Understanding new laws, guidance regarding the treatment of same-sex spouses in the workplace
Guns-at-Work Laws: A Legal Obligation and Liability Primer for Employers
Guns at Work: How to Keep Your Employees Safe
Plan/Prevent/Protect: What Employers Must Know — and Do
Avoiding Claims of Retaliation
Guns at Work: How to Keep Your Employees Safe
Plan/Prevent/Protect: What Employers Must Know — and Do
FMLA Intermittent and Reduced Schedule Leave: Master Top Challenges When Managing Frequent or Unexpected Absences
Update on ADA Regulations
Landmark reform: Overhauling Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system
Social Media in the Workplace
Oklahoma’s new workers’ comp administrative system and arbitration option
HR’s Guide to Leave Management: How to Avoid Legal Headaches When Coordinating FMLA Leave
Misclassifying Independent Contractors
Oklahoma Employment Law Update
Misclassifying Independent Contractors
Using Temporary and Leased Employees: Issues Concerning Co-Employment
Social Media Challenges
Updating Your Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
Employment Law Outlook for 2013 and Beyond
ADA-Safe Job Descriptions: HR’s How-To for Defining Essential Functions
Employment Law Outlook for 2013 and Beyond
Americans with Disabilities Act: ADA Danger Zone
ADA-Safe Job Descriptions: HR’s How-To for Defining Essential Functions
A Practical Refresher on Hiring and Firing Best Practices
Avoiding the ADA Abyss — How to interactively accommodate, deal with employee drug use, and know when to use fit-for-duty evaluations
Leave Management – How to Master the FMLA/ADA/Workers Compensation Web
New (and better) Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules for Oklahoma Employers
Upcoming Changes for Oklahoma Employers: Wrongful Discharge and Drug Testing
Manage Your FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Comp and GINA Overlap
Employment Law Outlook for 2012 and Beyond
Whistle-blowing, Retaliation and Employment Terminations
Survivor: Ethics and the Employment Jungle
Fall Check-Up for Your Employee Handbook
Advanced FMLA Management and Strategies
Advanced Challenges and Solutions for Employers
Managing Social Media in the Workplace
Government Crackdown on Wage & Hour Issues
Government Crackdown on Wage & Hour Issues
The IRS and the HR Relationship
EmployerLINC Webcast: When the Feds Come Knocking
What Employers Can Expect in 2011
What’s New and Hot With the FMLA
Articles
Not what he asked for, but unpaid leave of absence ruled to be appropriate ADA accommodation
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | August 29, 2023Are employers potentially liable for customers’ harassing behavior?
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | May 10, 2023Court upholds firing of marijuana cardholders discharged after positive weed test
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | February 16, 2023Should employees be paid for booting up and shutting down their computers?
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | December 1, 2022Employers required to display new EEO poster in workplace
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | October 26, 2022Oklahoma City Apple Store votes to unionize
October 17, 2022Workplace investigations: Prompt and reasonable, but not always perfect
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | March 15, 2022Home Depot employee’s wrongful discharge claim hammered
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | February 16, 2022Class action challenges company’s non-compensation of travel and meeting time
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | February 8, 2022ODOL: Employers likely responsible for paying for COVID-19 testing under Oklahoma law
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Alert | November 5, 2021OSHA releases final rule regarding workplace vaccination mandates
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Alert | November 4, 2021Are off-site injuries covered by workers’ comp in Oklahoma? It depends.
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | June 2, 2021Answers to employer FAQs regarding face masks in the workplace
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Alert | May 18, 2021Unequal workplace investigation leads to discrimination lawsuit
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | August 31, 2020Facebook posts and firing of Oklahoma worker leads to wrongful discharge claim
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | August 25, 2020Coronavirus alert for employers: It’s about facts over fear, planning over panic
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Alert | March 3, 2020New reporting and reviewing requirements in effect for employers with DOT drivers
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | February 21, 2020Headphones, earbuds and OSHA standards
January 6, 2020New year means new salary requirements for overtime exemptions
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Alert | December 20, 2019Claim that over-the-counter medication caused positive drug test doesn’t reverse termination
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | November 13, 2019Injured employee testing positive for marijuana awarded workers’ compensation benefits
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | October 24, 2019New Oklahoma medical marijuana rules go into effect Friday
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Alert | August 27, 2019On The Horizon: Greater enforcement of employment laws
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | December 17, 2018OSHA clarifies permissibility of post-accident drug testing, safety incentive programs
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | November 12, 2018The dangers of ‘100% healed’ and ‘no restrictions’ policies
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | August 7, 2018With yet another court ruling sexual orientation discrimination unlawful, Supreme Court expected to weigh in
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | February 27, 2018Valuable free OSHA resource available for Oklahoma employers
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | January 26, 2018NLRB reverses course on joint employers and employee handbooks
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | December 18, 2017Time for employers to up their game for preventing workplace harassment
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | December 11, 2017Oklahoma jury awards transgender employee $1.165 million
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | November 21, 2017Texas court stops DOL effort to expand overtime
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Alert | November 23, 2016Female deputy’s different treatment poses problem for sheriff
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | June 22, 2016Keys to crafting an effective response to an EEOC discrimination charge
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | April 13, 2016EEOC now revealing employers’ information to charging parties
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | February 24, 2016Labor Board’s joint employer decision sure to cause headaches
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | August 31, 2015Oklahoma court tosses negligent training and supervision claims
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | August 21, 2015U.S. Supreme Court rules against Tulsa Abercrombie & Fitch in religious discrimination lawsuit over headscarf
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Alert | June 2, 2015Disabilities that pose a ‘direct threat’ in the workplace
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | April 1, 2015When is a company considered the employer of another company’s employees?
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | September 12, 2014Federal agency proposes clearinghouse for commercial driver drug test results
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | February 26, 2014Social media restrictions on employers passes Oklahoma House
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | February 17, 2014Different pay for unequal jobs OK
Diversity Insight | February 16, 2014New workers’ comp law expands scope of potential retaliation claims
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Alert | February 12, 2014State prohibition on same-sex marriages found unconstitutional
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Alert | January 16, 20142014 Resolution: Social media training for your employees
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | January 1, 2014Past use of a false Social Security number: An employment disqualifier?
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | January 1, 2014Oklahoma workplace tobacco law revisions effective November 1
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | October 17, 2013Interactive discussion should occur before employment decision
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | May 1, 2013Employees who violate federal law are awarded damages
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | April 1, 2013New I-9 form means good time to review your hiring process
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Update | March 12, 2013Psychological injuries without physical injuries are not compensable
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | January 15, 2013U.S. Supreme Court enforces Oklahoma arbitration agreement
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | December 1, 2012NLRB attacks employer’s right to keep investigation confidential
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | September 1, 2012Working at home and additional leave time unreasonable
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | July 1, 2012Under Oklahoma’s new ‘Open Carry’ law, employers can still keep workplace gun-free
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Employment Law Update | May 16, 2012Point/Counterpoint: Why two labor posters are better than one
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC Update | April 5, 2012Corporate Liability: When is a parent responsible for its sub?
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | January 1, 2012Emotional distress claims: a future trend?
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | August 1, 2011Tattoos, unemployment benefits and firings for misconduct
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | April 1, 2011Disabilities: The expansion of disability lawsuits
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | April 1, 2011Settlement reached in lawsuit involving firing over employee’s Facebook comments
McAfee & Taft EmployerLINC | February 23, 2011Employer Retaliation: Here they come — increased retaliation claims
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | February 1, 2011Confidential Information: Theft of personal information is a wake-up call for employer
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | February 1, 2011Covenant not to compete: Hiring competitors’ employees
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | November 1, 2010Employment Practices: Employment letters, handbooks, and promises — oh, my!
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | September 1, 2010Union Organizing: Union logos, fliers and discipline
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | July 1, 2010Protected activity: No retaliation claim when employee ‘goes off’
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | May 1, 2010Employee Handbook: Handbook disclaimer wins
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | January 1, 2010Retaliation: What did you know, and when did you know it?
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | November 1, 2009Reductions In Force: The Importance of Keeping Your Story Straight
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | September 1, 2009Reasonable accommodation: Returning to work and the interactive process
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | September 1, 2009Pensions and retirement benefits: Layoffs, severance, and wage claims
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | July 1, 2009National origin discrimination: He doesn’t talk like us
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | May 1, 2009Employer retaliation: Workplace witness protection
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | March 1, 2009Union Organizing: Here come the unions
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | February 1, 2009Workers’ compensation: Three-year absence? Time to terminate
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | January 1, 2009Military Service: Don’t delay reemploying returning military members
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter | October 1, 2008Media
