Listen to “Raimondo says she’d be inclined to sign labor contract bill” on Spreaker.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo says if a bill to automatically extend expired municipal worker and teacher contracts reaches her desk, she’d be inclined to sign it.
The Democrat told WPRO‘s Gene Valicenti on Monday that while she vetoed similar legislation before, she’s pleased with changes lawmakers made so the bill is narrower and incorporates feedback from municipal leaders.
The House of Representatives approved the measure last week to extend contracts during new contract negotiations. It awaits further action in the Senate.
Mayors and town administrators say it gives unions no incentive to negotiate in difficult times and may potentially lock municipalities into unaffordable wage and benefit packages.
Raimondo says she won’t decide until she meets with municipal leaders and see what comes out of the Senate, but she’s leaning toward signing it.
Listen to Matt Allen’s conversation with the bill sponsor Rep Camille Vella-Wilkinson below:
