A Question on Public Contracts

I understand that arbitration is a wildcard that Rhode Island officials might not wish to risk, but something about the latest deal — as with previous deals — worked out with public sector union leadership brings into relief the practices that have gotten our state into its current difficulties:

Council 94’s new agreement — like the original proposal — would provide no pay increases in the first year, but include raises of 2.5 percent, 3 percent and 3 percent in the subsequent years.

We certainly shouldn’t take the attitude that public employees should never get raises, but on what grounds does our floundering government promise to pay almost 9% more for its workforce in four years?

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Greg
Greg
15 years ago

I’ve got no problem with what essentially amounts to a COLA.

rhody
rhody
15 years ago

Both sides got real and decided it was time to stop the fighting and settle on something they could both live with, even if the dead-enders on each side aren’t ready to lay down their arms yet.

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