R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-9.5-6: Obligation to bargain.

It shall be the obligation of the state, acting through state authorities, to meet and confer in good faith with the designated representative or representatives of the bargaining agent, including any legal counsel selected by the bargaining agent, within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice from the bargaining agent of the request for a meeting for collective bargaining purposes. This obligation includes the duty to cause any agreement resulting from the negotiations to be reduced to a written contract; provided, that no contract shall exceed the term of three (3) years.