PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The Rhode Island Convention Center
Authority has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a Providence city ordinance that requires the convention center, the Dunkin' Donuts Center, the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, and three downtown hotels to retain employees for up to six months following a change in management.

David Duffy, the convention center chairman, tells The
Providence Journal his facility as well as the arena and the
auditorium are state-owned, and the city does not have the
authority to create an ordinance that would legally bind the
operation of state-owned properties.

The ordinance was passed in response to concerns by workers at
one hotel that ownership would outsource certain services.

The council approved the measure Oct. 15, and it went into
effect Oct. 26.

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