The bill amends Chapter 16-77 of the General Laws in Rhode Island, which governs the establishment of charter public schools. It introduces key definitions such as "bona fide labor organization" and "employees," clarifying the roles of labor organizations and non-management employees within charter schools. A significant addition is the "union neutrality clause," which requires all certified independent or district charter schools, upon application for a renewal of their charter or an application for a new charter school, to remain neutral regarding the unionization of any of its employees. This clause prohibits charter schools from expressing a position on employee unionization and from threatening, intimidating, discriminating against, retaliating against, or taking any adverse action against employees based on their decision to support or oppose union representation.

The bill outlines that charter schools must provide bona fide labor organizations access at reasonable times to areas where employees work for the purpose of discussing their rights to representation, employment rights under the law, and terms and conditions of employment. Additionally, it stipulates that union recognition shall occur through a majority card check verified by a neutral third-party arbitrator mutually selected by the charter school and the bona fide labor organization.

The act also details the procedures for creating and expanding independent charter schools, mandating that they include a union neutrality clause in their charter applications. The act aims to enhance the operational framework of charter schools while ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. It will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7906: 16-77.2-2, 16-77.3-2