By Andrew Firestone

A controversial amendment that reportedly stripped public labor unions of their rights was passed Thursday, May 26, with the rest of the $30.5 billion state budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. While in the House, the issue had divided many lawmakers, with Mayor Joseph Curtatone supporting it, and others, such as Rep. Denise Provost (D-Somerville) and Congressman Mike Capuano, opposed.

The Senate proposal adds a few new parameters. There is now a 30-day bargaining period between unions and cities. If no decision is reached, the vote goes to a three-member panel, appointed by the city, the union, and one appointed by the State Secretary of Administration and Finance. Some have praised this as a suitable deal, while others have found it lacking.