Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0858

Introduced
3/19/25  

Caption

Defines employees as individuals employed by a municipality or state covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, and would redefine an "employer" to those who employ fifteen (15) or more employees.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact labor laws in the state by clarifying the definitions of employees and employers in relation to work on holidays and Sundays. The redefinition may influence collective bargaining negotiations, providing clearer parameters for what constitutes eligible employees and employers under state labor laws. This could lead to enhanced protections for workers traditionally governed by such agreements, potentially raising the standard for labor relations in the public sector and affecting how services operate during designated holidays.

Summary

S0858 is a legislative proposal that aims to redefine fundamental terms related to employment within the context of state and municipal work regulations. Specifically, the bill seeks to explicitly define 'employees' as individuals employed by a municipality or the state who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract. It also introduces a new definition for 'employer,' specifying that it pertains to any entity that employs fifteen or more individuals. This change acknowledges the role of collective bargaining agreements in governing workplace conditions and rights, particularly for public sector workers.

Contention

Despite its seemingly straightforward amendments, S0858 may face scrutiny regarding its implications for local regulations and existing labor practices. There may be concerns from employer groups about the threshold of fifteen employees potentially sweeping in smaller municipal operations under more complex regulatory frameworks. Conversely, labor rights advocates might argue that the bill fails to address broader issues of worker rights outside the collective bargaining context, questioning whether the limitations on definitions may inadvertently exclude certain employees from receiving necessary protections and benefits.

Final_notes

Ultimately, the bill symbolizes a larger conversation about labor rights within the state, reflecting ongoing tensions between employer flexibility and employee protections. As discussions progress, stakeholders from various sectors will likely analyze the potential outcomes and advocate for adjustments to ensure an equitable balance in the regulation of work practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H8274

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

RI S2473

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

RI H8044

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

RI H7650

Directs employers to take certain actions to protect their employees who are exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures and failure to implement or perform any of those actions would be an unlawful employment practice.

RI S2203

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee from directly or indirectly committing any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice.

RI H7320

Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.

RI H7607

Amends the definition of "small employer" for purposes of the small employer health insurance availability act to mean a business employing less than one hundred (100) employees rather than fifty (50) employees.

RI S2123

Requires employer to furnish items and conditions of employment and a pay stub explaining how wages were calculated/reasons for deductions/allows the employee to file a court action against employer for violation.

RI S2900

Directs employers to take certain actions to protect their employees who are exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures.

RI H7790

Requires employer to furnish items and conditions of employment and a pay stub explaining how wages were calculated/reasons for deductions/allows the employee to file a court action against employer for violation.

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