LISTEN TO STEVE KLAMKIN’S REPORT:
Listen to “Rhode Island House passes ‘evergreen’ labor contract bill” on Spreaker.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island lawmakers have advanced legislation that would automatically extend expired municipal worker and teacher contracts, even if both sides have yet to reach a new labor agreement.
The House of Representatives approved the measure Tuesday. The bill now awaits further action in the Senate.
Mayors and town administrators on Monday voiced opposition to the bill, arguing it gives unions no incentive to negotiate in difficult times and may potentially lock municipalities into unaffordable wage and benefit pacakges.
Providence Teachers Union President Maribeth Calabro tells WPRI-TV the legislation would provide a “safety net” for union members during contract negotiations.
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo vetoed a similar bill in 2017. She says her administration has been working with lawmakers on changes, but it’s unclear if she will sign the bill.
