NEW: Mediation Ordered in State Pension Reform Lawsuit
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The state and several organized labor unions will head to the bargaining table after all.
Superior Court Judge Sarah Taft-Carter today ordered both sides into mediation to reach an agreement regarding the lawsuit filed by several labor unions that seeks to overturn the state’s landmark pension reform law.
Governor Lincoln Chafee was among several politicians who called for negotiations earlier this month, but General Treasurer Gina Raimondo –the key architect behind the law— said she wanted to let the process play out in court. On Tuesday, Raimondo said the state is willing to negotiate in good faith.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"I have great respect for the judicial system and it is important to let this process unfold in an orderly and transparent way,” she said. “We owe that to the people of Rhode Island and to our public employees.”
Raimondo continued: “We continue to believe the state has a very strong case and a terrific legal team. As I have consistently said, we will participate in court-ordered mediation in good faith."
