RI panel weighs binding arbitration for teachers
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A legislative committee is set to hear a bill that calls for teachers contract disputes in Rhode Island to be resolved by binding arbitration.
The measure is opposed by Gov. Don Carcieri (kuh-CHEHR'-ee), who says it would be an "enormous mistake."
Carcieri does not plan to testify at Wednesday's hearing by the House Labor Committee, but hopes lawmakers will reject the bill. Teachers unions support binding arbitration, saying it's a fair and reasonable way to settle contract disputes that cannot be resolved through negotiation.
It is illegal for public school teachers to strike.
Carcieri says cities and towns should be able to decide what they want to pay and what they can pay for education, and should not have their hands tied by binding arbitration.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
