BREAKING NEWS...EP Teachers File Unfair Labor Practice

Unfair Labor Complaint Filed

By Bob Rodericks

The East Providence Education Association (EPEA) has filed an unfair labor practice against the East Providence School Committee. The city teachers have been working without a contract since the last one expired in October of 2011. Shortly after the contract expired, the EPEA and School Committee reached a tentative agreement on a new pact. However, even though both sides have reached an agreement, the state officials overseeing East Providence will not allow final ratification to take place. Major Stephen Bannon of the state police had stopped all city contracts upon his arrival as city overseer. Several things are unknown at this time. Under terms of the old contract, East Providence teachers became the lowest paid in Rhode Island. It is not known yet what new salary rate (if any) has been negotiated. Also unknown is who is answerable directly to the EPEA complaint - the budget commission or the school committee and city council. The Reporter has requests for information out to several city officials at this time.