State v. Rhode Island Employment Security Alliance, Local 401

OPINION

GOLDBERG, Justice.

This case came before the Supreme Court for oral argument on October 29, 2003, pursuant to the appeal of the plaintiff, the State of Rhode Island (plaintiff or state), from a Superior Court judgment denying its motion to vacate an arbitration award and from a judgment confirming that award.

Facts and Procedural History

In 1989, the state and the defendant, Rhode Island Employment Security Alliance, Local 401, SEIU, AFL-CIO (defendant or Local 401), negotiated a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), effective July 1,1992, through June 30,1999. Local 401 is the…