§ 28-9.1-9 - Hearings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 28-9.1-9

   § 28-9.1-9  Hearings. – (a) The arbitration board shall, acting through its chairperson, call a hearingto be held within ten (10) days after the date of the appointment of thechairperson, and shall, acting through its chairperson, give at least seven (7)days notice in writing to each of the other two (2) arbitrators, the bargainingagent, and the corporate authorities of the time and place of the hearing. Thehearing shall be informal, and the rules of evidence prevailing in judicialproceedings shall not be binding. Any documentary evidence and other datadeemed relevant by the arbitrators may be received in evidence.

   (b) The arbitrators shall have the power to administer oathsand to require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and theproduction of books, records, and other evidence relative or pertinent to theissues presented to them for determination.

   (c) The hearing conducted by the arbitrators shall beconcluded within twenty (20) days of the time of commencement, and within ten(10) days after the conclusion of the hearings, the arbitrators shall makewritten findings and a written opinion upon the issues presented, a copy ofwhich shall be mailed or otherwise delivered to the bargaining agent or itsattorney or otherwise designated representative and the corporate authorities.

   (d) A majority decision of the arbitrators shall be bindingupon both the bargaining agent and the corporate authorities.