WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Unions that rejected a proposed settlement over Rhode Island’s landmark public pension system overhaul may get a second chance to sign on.
House lawmakers added language to the budget to enable those who rejected the settlement to be included now, if they want. The budget will be considered by the House Tuesday.
Public-sector unions and retirees sued over the 2011 reform. It was designed to save $4 billion over 20 years.
The state struck a deal with most defendants to preserve most of the savings.
Unions representing municipal police, Cranston police and Cranston fire, which collectively represent about 800 people, didn’t accept the terms.
Their lawyers couldn’t immediately be reached to comment on whether there’s interest in settling.
Motions in those cases are scheduled to be heard July 29.
