North Providence, RI - Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today formally signed the new state master contract with Rhode Island Council 94, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. The settlement was previously approved by Council 94's state employee membership, by a vote of 1399 to 283.
Representatives for the State and the Union reached an agreement on a one-year contract without a wage increase or changes to health insurance co-payments. All other provisions of the contract remained the same. The agreement calls for the parties to begin negotiating a new contract later this year or early next year.
"I am pleased to sign this new contract, which will ensure the continuation of the excellent services of Council 94 members – services on which the people of Rhode Island depend," Governor Chafee said. "Council 94 representatives came to the table in good faith and this contract is a demonstration of their willingness to work cooperatively for the good of the state. I look forward to continuing to work with these fine Rhode Islanders."
Council 94, Rhode Island's largest public employee union, represents approximately 4,000 active state employees.