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RIBCO
News
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2007-11-08
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On the Tier – “Update” |
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Contract/Interest Arbitration Update
As we stated in last month’s update. The arbitration panel, faced with the task of reviewing more than 120 exhibits and stenographic transcripts going back to March, directed the parties to submit written briefs summarizing their positions on each issue in dispute. The briefs are due in 60 days (December 17) from the receipt of the final transcripts with an additional 30 days (January 17) for reply briefs if necessary. The arbitration decision is then in the hands of the panel.
Legislative Override – Powers of the Director
For many years the Department of Corrections has succeeded in overturning arbitrators’ awards favorable to RIBCO in the courts and successfully invalidated other provisions of our contract by arguing that § 42-56-10 of the General Laws (powers of the director) superseded the collective bargaining terms including those terms it had previously agreed to in negotiations.
Last month the General Assembly approved legislation sponsored by RIBCO which prohibits the overturning of arbitrators’ awards or the voiding of a contract’s provisions based on an alleged conflict between those terms and § 42-56-10. The Legislature passed this law in a near unanimous vote during its regular session, but our anti-labor Governor vetoed it, as he previously did our binding arbitration bill (a veto which the Legislature also overturned).
These recent legislature victories were achieved as a result of intensive lobbying by RIBCO, principally by President Richard Ferruccio, and were the end product of our support over the years of politicians aware of, and sympathetic to, the concerns of RIBCO and its members.
The amendment to § 42-56-10 will once again level the playing field in labor relations in the Department and will protect our arbitration victories and hard-won contract language. The new law is not a guaranty that no future award will be vacated, but it goes a long way toward that goal.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to President Ferruccio and to all RIBCO members who work to make RIBCO’s political voice heard at the State House.
Respiratory Protection Program
RIBCO and the RIDOC have been working for several years on a new program for staff who utilize the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) per OSHA regulations. Part of the program requires staff to fill out a medical questionnaire and have a physical examination. The medical provider (South County Hospital) hired for this program will provide medical examinations on the grounds free of charge. All medical information will be kept confidential by the provider only (not RIDOC). The RIDOC will only receive a notice of ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ in order to continue training and the fit testing of the mask. **No staff will lose there post as the result of not passing any portion of the process. RIBCO is supporting this long awaited program and encourages members to participate.
RIBCO Elections
RIBCO will be holding its General Election of Officers in the near future. The candidates who will be running for office are as follows:
President
Richard Ferruccio
1st Vice President
Byron Blackmar
Dave Mellon
Paul Stimpson
2nd Vice Presiden
Ron Brodeur
Richard Bush
Secretary Treasurer
Mike Hogan
Financial Secretary
John Lavery
Jim Petrella
Recording Secretary
John Meehan
Executive Board
John Bray
Ray Cardillo
Alan Depaolo
Linda Folcarelli
Jeff Golding
Mike Hazard
Tom Head
Josh Macomber
Bob Miller
Bob Lantagne
Mark Vierra
The Election Committee will be appointed according to the By-Laws and shall set the date of the election, prepare all necessary arrangements, booths, ballots and notices. Election notices will be mailed to each member at his/her last known address. It is important that you take the opportunity to make your voice heard and exercise your union responsibility to vote!
UNITED WE STAND!
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