R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-10-1
It shall be the duty of the director of labor and training to do all in his or her power to promote the voluntary mediation and conciliation of controversies and disputes between employers and employees, and to avoid resort to strikes, lockouts, boycotts, blacklists, discriminations, and legal proceedings in or arising out of controversies and disputes and matters of employment. In pursuance of this duty, the director may, whenever he or she deems advisable, but subject to the approval of the governor, appoint a board of mediation and conciliation for the consideration and settlement of controversies and disputes. The director shall prescribe rules of procedure for the mediation and conciliation, and the mediation and conciliation boards shall have the power to conduct investigations, to hold hearings, and to summon witnesses.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-10-1