May 10, 2011
Open Thread #2: Coming Up In the Senate Labor Committee
The Rhode Island Tea Party provides a late-breaking update on several state Senate bills, posted on Monday, coming up for hearings in the Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday (h/t Lisa Blais)...
Senate Labor will entertain yet again bills to extend terms of unaffordable and unsustainable contracts, legislate an end-run around the unsettled matter of law regarding property rights of retiree benefits and consider card check that strips people of the right to cast private ballots when voting for or against union representation.Please attend these hearings, Senate Labor Committee. Let them know what you think!
S0404: A Bill to allow perpetual contracts for firefighters.
S0423: A Bill to allow card check for public employees.
S0789: A Bill for evergreen (perpetual) police contracts with binding arbitration.
S0896: A Bill that locks down retired employee benefits as property rights.
Is Rhode Island being murdered by the "Progressives" (odd name for a gang, but there it is)?
Or, considering the lethargy and apathy of the public, is Rhode Island committing suicide?
Either way, if these perverted bills pass, it's time to go.
Posted by: BobN at May 10, 2011 9:19 PMWhy can't towns also use this "evergreen" law to its benefit? If the contract stays in effect even after it's expired, then simply never negotiate with any of the unions again. Just think, what if we could be paying all of our teachers, police and firemen the same salaries they were making in 2001. If they like the idea of continuing on with their contract, then let 'em. I bet after a few years, they'll want to actually come to the bargaining table. Then you eliminate defined-benefit retirement plans in exchange for a 3% raise that year. No deal? Keep working for the same salary then.
Posted by: Patrick at May 10, 2011 9:25 PM