Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary, nothing in this article shall apply to those state employers or employees in state service as defined in Section 36-26-2, or to public employers and employees of state or local educational institutions or systems, or to any ordinance, rule, policy, or other mandate enacted by a county, municipality, or political subdivision of this state relating specifically to public employees or a class of employees employed by or independent contractors hired by the county, municipality, or any other political subdivision.