RI
Rhode Island House Bill H7459

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7459

Introduced
2/2/24  

Caption

Requires that if state employee unions are engaged in contract negotiations and/or utilizing the dispute resolution process, all terms and conditions in the collective bargaining agreement shall continue to remain in effect.

Impact

The enactment of HB 7459 would thereby modify the current laws governing public employees and their unions, specifically amending Section 36-11-9 of the General Laws on binding arbitration. As a result, this legislation could enhance job security for state employees by ensuring that existing wage and benefit agreements continue until new contracts are formalized. The bill potentially reinforces the power of unions and could encourage more robust negotiations between state employees and the government, improving labor relations overall.

Summary

House Bill 7459, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, addresses the organization and negotiation processes for state employees and their unions. The bill stipulates that during contract negotiations or dispute resolutions, all terms and conditions from existing collective bargaining agreements must remain in effect until a new agreement is reached. This provision aims to protect state employees from losing their rights and benefits during negotiation periods, ensuring continuity in their working conditions despite contract expirations.

Contention

The bill has sparked debates across various stakeholders, particularly regarding the implications for state fiscal responsibilities and operational flexibility. Supporters argue that maintaining existing terms safeguards workers' rights, while critics raise concerns about the financial impact on state budgets if contracts significantly benefit employees without corresponding revenue increases. Furthermore, this could lead to disagreements over what constitutes fair arbitration outcomes, particularly concerning wage disputes, as the bill specifies that certain decisions remain advisory in nature.

Latest H7459 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5934

Organization Of State Employees

RI S0426

Municipal Employees' Arbitration

RI H5180

Municipal Employees' Arbitration

RI S0868

Joint Resolution Authorizing The State To Enter Into A Financing Agreement Relating To School Construction In The City Of Pawtucket (authorizes The State To Finance The Construction Of A New High School And Facilities And All Expenses Incident Thereto.)

RI H6211

Joint Resolution Authorizing The State To Enter Into A Financing Agreement Relating To School Construction In The City Of Pawtucket (authorizes The State To Finance The Construction Of A New High School And Facilities And All Expenses Incident Thereto.)

RI H6404

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0980

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0272

Public Safety Employees

RI H5236

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (initiative And Referendum) (this Resolution Would Enable The Citizens Of Rhode Island To Propose Laws And Amendments To The Constitution Through An Initiative And Referendum Process, Except As To Revenue And Appropriations, Which Power Remains Vested In The General Assembly.)

RI H5051

House Resolution Adopting The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2023 And 2024 (this Resolution Would Adopt The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2023 And 2024.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.