Provide protection for the rights of professional, administrative and secretarial employees of the department of education to collectively bargain over all terms and conditions of employment.
Impact
If passed, S0987 would significantly impact labor relations within the state's education sector by reinforcing the ability of educational employees to collectively negotiate. This move is viewed as a stride toward enhancing employee protections and affirming their rights within the workplace. By allowing for collective bargaining, the bill aims to promote a more equitable working environment for those employed in educational roles, potentially leading to improved job satisfaction and retention rates among staff.
Summary
Bill S0987 aims to amend the existing legislation relating to the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education in the state of Rhode Island. Specifically, it provides protection for the rights of professional, administrative, and secretarial employees of the Department of Education, allowing them to engage in collective bargaining over their employment terms and conditions. The bill underscores the importance of union representation and seeks to ensure that these employees have a formal mechanism to negotiate their salaries, terms of service, and dismissal procedures.
Contention
Although the bill primarily focuses on labor rights, it may spark debate regarding the implications for state administrative processes and budget allocations. Supporters argue that protecting the rights of education employees to collectively bargain enhances job security and promotes a healthier work environment, ultimately benefiting students as well. On the other hand, critics may raise concerns about the financial impact of potential salary increases and the administrative burden that could result from more formal labor negotiations.
Provides that the permanent foundation educational aid program would provide state funding for school-based mental health services pursuant to specified conditions.
Provides that the permanent foundation educational aid program would provide state funding for school-based mental health services pursuant to specified conditions.
Allows retired public safety officers to seek secondary employment with the state or any municipality without any reduction or forfeiture of retirement benefits.
Allows retired public safety officers to seek secondary employment with the state or any municipality without any reduction or forfeiture of retirement benefits.
Amends the term "extraordinary costs" for the purposes of excess costs associated with special education students. The new definition of extraordinary costs would be educational costs that are over 3 times the average statewide special education cost.
Requires the departments of elementary and secondary education and health to adopt policies/rules/regulations for the administration of seizure rescue medications for children who have been medically identified as having epilepsy/seizure disorder.
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.