“We applaud the members of the General Assembly who recognized continuation of a collective bargaining agreement for what it is: fundamental fairness. Passage of this bill levels the playing field for teachers, education support professionals, and municipal workers who do not have the benefit of binding arbitration in resolving contractual disputes,” said NEARI President Larry Purtill. “This legislation ensures equity and allows for school and municipal operations to go on uninterrupted and continue until new contracts are reached -- which is in the best interest of students and families."