General Assembly to consider binding arbitration bill

PROVIDENCE—A hearing before the House Labor Committee is scheduled for Wednesday to hear arguments over using binding arbitration to settle teachers contract disputes.

Supporters of binding arbitration say it will save money and prevent teacher strikes.

“Let’s get rid of these high legal costs, follow the existing laws on the box and have a final step in the negotiation process,“ said Bob Walsh of the National Education Association of Rhode Island.

Opponents say it will cost taxpayers because it often takes the teachers’ side.

“They’ve always resulted in more money paid to the unions,“ said Harry Staley of the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition. “In good times, that maybe OK, but here we are in bad times and we can’t afford to have an arbitration situation where (the unions) always win.“