The Rhode Island Convention Center Authority (RICCA) filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Providence claiming a new ordinance affecting service workers is unconstitutional.
The ordinance requires the convention center, other facilities and local hotels retain food-and-beverage services employees for up to six months following a change in management. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court on Nov. 4.
The measure has been strongly opposed by the hotel industry and convention center since it was introduced.
The authority argues that the ordinance violates the contract and equal protection clauses of constitution, preempts state labor law, preempts the National Labor Relations Act and violates a provision in a city charter.
