R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-7-10

Neither the board nor any of its agents or employees shall engage in any effort to mediate, conciliate, or arbitrate any labor dispute, but nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prevent the board, its agents, or employees, from engaging in any effort to obtain voluntary adjustments and compliance with the terms and provisions of this chapter and in accordance with its purposes and policy. Provided, that nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prevent the board, its agents, or employees from arbitrating labor disputes which do not originate before the board.