§ 28-7-16 - Controversies as to representation. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 28-7-16

   § 28-7-16  Controversies as torepresentation. – (a) Whenever it is alleged by an employee or his or her representative thatthere is a question or controversy concerning the representation of employees,the board shall investigate the question or controversy and certify in writingto all persons concerned the name or names of the representatives who have beendesignated or selected.

   (b) Whenever it is alleged by an employer or his or herrepresentative that there is a question or controversy concerning therepresentation of employees, the board shall investigate the question orcontroversy after a public hearing held upon due notice.

   (c) In any investigation the board shall provide for anappropriate hearing upon due notice, either in conjunction with a proceedingunder §§ 28-7-21 – 28-7-25 or otherwise, and may conduct anelection by secret ballot of employees, or use any other suitable method toascertain the representatives either before or after the hearing; provided,that the board does not have authority to investigate any question orcontroversy between individuals or groups within the same labor organization orbetween labor organizations affiliated with the same parent labor organization.