Rhode Island General Laws Title 36. Public Officers and Employees § 36-11-1. Right to organize--Bargaining representatives

(a) State employees, except for casual employees or seasonal employees, shall have the right to organize and designate representatives of their own choosing for the purpose of collective bargaining with respect to wages, hours, and other conditions of employment.  State employees, as used in this chapter, shall include employees and members of the department of state police below the rank of lieutenant.

(b) The representatives of state employees are hereby granted the right to negotiate with the chief executive or his or her designee (appointed, elected, or possessing classified status) on matters pertaining to wages, hours, and working conditions.

(c) The chief executive or his or her designee (appointed, elected, or possessing classified status) is hereby authorized and required to recognize an organization designated by state employees for the purpose of collective bargaining as the collective bargaining agency for its members.