Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0856

Introduced

3/19/25

Refer

3/19/25

Report Pass

4/30/25

Engrossed

5/6/25

Refer

5/7/25

Caption

Provides that all contractual provisions in a firefighters collective bargaining agreement continue until a successor agreement has been reached or an interest arbitration award has been rendered.

Impact

The enactment of S0856 would have a direct impact on the labor relations framework within the state, particularly for firefighter unions. By ensuring that contractual provisions continue unchanged while negotiations for new agreements take place, the bill seeks to protect firefighters from potential lapses in benefits or rights during bargaining periods. This move is expected to reinforce the bargaining power of firefighter unions, as they will not be under pressure to reach an agreement quickly for fear of losing existing terms.

Summary

Bill S0856 proposes to amend existing labor relations laws regarding the collective bargaining agreements for firefighters in Rhode Island. Specifically, the bill stipulates that all contractual provisions that are part of such agreements should remain in effect until a new agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered. This continuation of contractual terms aims to provide stability for firefighters and their bargaining representatives during negotiations, ensuring that existing rights and benefits remain intact without interruption.

Contention

While the bill presents advantages for firefighters, it may face opposition from entities that argue it could complicate labor negotiations. Some legislators or stakeholders might express concerns that prolonging the duration during which existing contracts remain in effect could lead to inflexibility in negotiations and inhibit the ability of employers to adapt to changing circumstances or financial constraints. Discussions around the bill may engage various labor and employer groups, highlighting differing perspectives on labor rights and management practices in public safety sectors.

Latest S0856 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7202

Provides that all contractual provisions in a firefighters collective bargaining agreement continue until a successor agreement has been reached or an interest arbitration award has been rendered.

RI H7201

Extends provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement for municipal police arbitration purposes until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered.

RI H7794

Reduces disruptive labor disputes with municipal police and firefighter unions during the transition to a new collective bargaining agreement by extending the existing collective bargaining agreement until new agreement is reached by arbitration.

RI H5182

Firefighters' Arbitration

RI S0141

Firefighters' Arbitration

RI S2464

Provides that public meetings involving collective bargaining agreements of school teachers shall be open to the public.

RI H7459

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.

RI S2784

Recognizes that municipal employees have the opportunity to utilize interest arbitration and would establish new factors for the arbitrators to consider. These factors include comparisons of wages/hourly conditions of employment in similarly skilled jobs.