PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The state's largest labor union is accusing Gov. Don Carcieri of violating state law by refusing to negotiate a new contract.
Council 94 of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees filed the complaint Monday with the state Labor Relations Board.
Carcieri announced last week that he wouldn't negotiate anymore with the union after its rank-and-file rejected a proposed contract designed to save the state millions amid a budget crisis. The deal called for, among other things, a one-year wage freeze and higher health care premiums.
The governor said his administration spent six months and hundreds of hours negotiating, leaving no basis for further discussions.
Council 94 represents more than 4,000 state workers in Rhode Island.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/
