RI governor, unions reach tentative deal preventing state government shutdown, 1,000 layoffs

RI gov, unions in tentative deal to stop shutdown

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The state of Rhode Island may avoid a shutdown of government services and massive layoffs thanks to a tentative deal struck between Gov. Don Carcieri (Kuh-CHEER’-ee) and labor leaders.

Two union leaders say a deal between the two sides could prevent laying off 1,000 state workers.

Philip Keefe, president of the Rhode Island Alliance of Social Service Employees Local 580 says the compromise was reached around midnight Tuesday.

It’s part of Carcieri’s plan to help close a $68 million budget shortfall caused in part by the plummeting economy.

Frank Ciccone, another union leader, said workers would be protected from layoffs until June 2011.

It’s the second time the sides have reached a tentative agreement.