Gist hit with complaint by labor board

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Education Commissioner Deborah Gist is facing a complaint from the State Labor Relations board, following a charge of unfair labor practices by union leaders.

The complaint says Gist "created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation" at the Department of Education last year during the teacher firings at Central Falls High School.

The Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals claims Gist sent out a threatening e-mail to all department employees, after getting word that some employees were planning to take part in a rally on behalf of Central Falls High teachers.

According to the union, Gist said in the email that she would "not hesitate to take action against any employee who purposely works to thwart RIDE policy."

The labor board alleges Commissioner Gist violated the rights of union members at the Department of Education.

A hearing on the complaint is scheduled for Tuesday.