School Committee Rejects Resolutions Opposing Contract Continuation, Binding Arbitration

At their most recent meeting, School Committee members rejected two resolutions, that if passed, would request that the General Assembly oppose any and all legislation currently being considered that is in favor of mandatory binding arbitration on monetary matters for school employees, as well as mandatory contract continuation of existing teacher collective bargaining agreements.

"Mandatory binding arbitration would deprive locally elected officials the ability to control the biggest component of local budgets (payroll costs)," reads the resolution. 

Committee members Kathy Patenaude and Ann Dickson voted in favor of the bill, Judi Liner voted against it, and Frank Hyde abstained, saying that he wanted to learn more about the proposed legislation.

No motion was made by Committee members to vote on the second resolution which states that mandatory contract continuation would serve as a disincentive for local unions to "bargain in good faith" while existing employee wages and benefits remained unchanged indefinitely.

"We've had a positive working relationship with the teachers' union in the past, and in the long-run, I think students will stay on track if all parties are bargaining in good faith," said Liner.

Coventry Town Council members approved both resolutions with votes taken at their meeting the night before.

Click here for additional coverage of the April 9 School Committee meeting.

The Committee's next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 at the School Administration Offices (1675 Flat River Rd.).