PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island bill that would automatically keep expired municipal union contracts in place if no new agreement is reached has city leaders of both parties worried.
WPRI-TV reports (https://bit.ly/2sBBZDz ) the bill’s sponsor, Democratic Rep. Camille Vella-Wilkinson of Warwick, has argued that it will force cities and their employees to come to the table ready to negotiate.
But a letter sent to legislative leaders Tuesday by 14 mayors and town officials says the bill will neuter their ability to ask for concessions amid economic downturns because unions will have no incentive to negotiate a new contract.
Among those to sign the letter were the Democratic mayor of Pawtucket and the Republican mayors of Warwick and Cranston.
A similar bill in the Senate has not yet had a committee hearing.
___
Information from: WPRI-TV, https://www.wpri.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.