§ 28-9.3-11 - Hearings.
SECTION 28-9.3-11
§ 28-9.3-11 Hearings. – (a) The arbitrators shall call a hearing to be held within ten (10) days aftertheir appointment and shall give at least seven (7) days notice in writing tothe negotiating or bargaining agent and the school committee of the time andplace of the hearing. The hearing shall be informal, and the rules of evidenceprevailing in judicial proceedings shall not be binding. Any documentaryevidence and other data deemed relevant by the arbitrators may be received inevidence.
(b) The arbitrators shall have the power to administer oathsand to require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and theproduction of books, records, and other evidence relative or pertinent to theissues presented to them for determination.
(c) Both the negotiating or bargaining agent and the schoolcommittee shall have the right to be represented at any hearing before thearbitrators by counsel of their own choosing.
(d) The hearing conducted by the arbitrators shall beconcluded within twenty (20) days of the time of commencement, and within ten(10) days after the conclusion of the hearings, the arbitrators shall makewritten findings and a written opinion upon the issues presented, a copy ofwhich shall be mailed or otherwise delivered to the negotiating or bargainingagent or its attorney or other designated representative and the schoolcommittee.