Non binding arbitration was the subject of debate in Providence, Rhode Island this week as dozens of town administrators and mayors from across the state arrived at the State House to oppose a bill that would expand the use of binding arbitration for teachers and other school employees.  The bill would empower a neutral arbitration attorney to make important educational and financial decisions.

Rhode Islanders Strongly Prefer Non Binding Arbitration

Many who came to testify in opposition to the bill took the point of view that voters had elected city and school officials.  By taking decision-making power away from elected officials and handing it to an arbitration attorney, the will of the people could be thwarted in ways difficult to predict at present, a situation that might resemble public policy arbitration.  Even the mayor of Providence itself turned out to object to the expansion of binding arbitration rather than the non binding variety, which would serve as an advisory role rather than a final opinion.

"This is not good for our citizens, our students, or our taxpayers," announced Angel Taveras, the mayor of Providence.  "It will affect every single person in the state of Rhode Island.  I urge the General Assembly to reject this bill." The mayor of Woonsocket was more direct, remarking that cities in the state "cannot afford this." 

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