Convention Center challenges city bylaw

PROVIDENCE—The Rhode Island Convention Center Authority has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a Providence city ordinance that requires the convention center, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, and three downtown hotels to retain employees for up to six months following a change in management.

David Duffy, the convention center chairman, told The Providence Journal his facility as well as the arena and the auditorium are state-owned, and the city does not have the authority to create an rdinance that would legally bind the operation of state-owned properties.

The ordinance was passed in response to concerns by workers at one hotel that ownership would outsource certain services.

The council approved the measure Oct. 15, and it went into effect Oct. 26.