Chapter 210
2018 -- S 2158 SUBSTITUTE A
Enacted 07/02/2018

A N   A C T
RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MUNICIPAL POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS' ARBITRATION

Introduced By: Senators Coyne, Lombardi, Seveney, Calkin, and DiPalma
Date Introduced: January 23, 2018

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
     SECTION 1. Chapter 28-9.1 of the General Laws entitled "Firefighters' Arbitration" is
hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
     28-9.1-18. Exclusive bargaining representative obligations.
     (a) The exclusive representative shall have the right to act for and negotiate agreements
covering all employees in the bargaining unit. Nothing in the provision shall require the exclusive
representative to provide representation at any level of the grievance process, including
arbitration, in any case on behalf of an employee who has elected not to maintain membership in
the employee organization for a period of at least ninety (90) days prior to the events giving rise
to the grievance.
     (b) An employee who has elected not to maintain membership in the employee
organization may, at their his or her own expense, pursue a grievance against the employer and
have such the grievance heard, without intervention by the exclusive representative, provided that
the exclusive representative is afforded the opportunity to be present at such the
grievance/arbitration hearing and that any resolution of the grievance shall not be inconsistent
with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement then in effect between the employer and the
exclusive representative. The exclusive representative shall have no obligation to incur expenses
related to a grievance initiated by an employee who has elected not to maintain membership in
the employee organization for a period of at least ninety (90) days prior to the events giving rise
to the grievance.
     SECTION 2. Chapter 28-9.2 of the General Laws entitled "Municipal Police Arbitration"
is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
     28-9.2-18. Exclusive bargaining representative obligations.
     (a) The exclusive representative shall have the right to act for and negotiate agreements
covering all employees in the bargaining unit. Nothing in the provision shall require the exclusive
representative to provide representation at any level of the grievance process, including
arbitration, in any case on behalf of an employee who has elected not to maintain membership in
the employee organization for a period of at least ninety (90) days prior to the events giving rise
to the grievance.
     (b) An employee who has elected not to maintain membership in the employee
organization may, at their his or her own expense, pursue a grievance against the employer and
have such the grievance heard, without intervention by the exclusive representative, provided that
the exclusive representative is afforded the opportunity to be present at such the
grievance/arbitration hearing and that any resolution of the grievance shall not be inconsistent
with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement then in effect between the employer and the
exclusive representative. The exclusive representative shall have no obligation to incur expenses
related to a grievance initiated by an employee who has elected not to maintain membership in
the employee organization for a period of at least ninety (90) days prior to the events giving rise
to the grievance.
     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC003480/SUB A
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