§ 28-9.3-2 - Right to organize and bargain collectively. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 28-9.3-2

   § 28-9.3-2  Right to organize and bargaincollectively. – (a) The certified teachers in the public school system in any city, town, orregional school district have the right to negotiate professionally and tobargain collectively with their respective school committees and to berepresented by an association or labor organization in the negotiation orcollective bargaining concerning hours, salary, working conditions, and allother terms and conditions of professional employment.

   (b) For purposes of this chapter, "certified teachers" meanscertified teaching personnel employed in the public school systems in the stateof Rhode Island engaged in teaching duties, including support personnel whosepositions require a professional certificate issued by the state department ofeducation and personnel licensed by the department of health; or othernon-administrative professional employees.

   (c) Superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals,and assistant principals, and other supervisors above the rank of assistantprincipal, are excluded from the provisions of this chapter.

   (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a),collective bargaining agreements shall not provide for benefits for health care("benefit plans") for certified employees unless such benefit plans areauthorized in accordance with chapter 27-73. Active employees whose collectivebargaining agreements expire on or after July 1, 2010 shall, upon expiration ofsuch collective bargaining agreements, receive coverage under benefit plansauthorized in accordance with chapter 27-73.