News Summary
Butler Hospital workers in Providence, R.I., have launched a strike calling for improved wages, benefits, and workplace safety. The New England Health Care Employees Union is leading this protest after contract negotiations faltered with Care New England. With 95% of workers feeling unsafe and many struggling financially, the urgency for change is palpable. Hospital management claims they are negotiating in good faith while facing criticism from lawmakers for insufficient wages, as the strike raises concerns over patient care quality during the labor dispute.
Providence, R.I. – Butler Hospital Workers Strike for Better Wages and Safety Measures
Hundreds of workers at Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, went on strike Thursday morning, protesting for better wages, benefits, and improved workplace safety. The strike, organized by the New England Health Care Employees Union (SEIU 1199NE), was prompted by failed contract negotiations with the hospital’s parent company, Care New England.
A recent survey conducted by the union revealed that an overwhelming 95% of Butler Hospital workers believe the hospital is not doing enough to ensure their safety. Additionally, a significant 60% reported difficulties in affording food and housing costs, highlighting the financial strain many employees face.
The union’s contracts with Care New England expired on March 31, 2025, but negotiations have been ongoing for over two months without reaching a satisfactory agreement. Currently, there are 116 job openings at Butler Hospital, adding to the urgency of the workers’ demands for higher wages and adequate staffing levels.
Hospital Management and Ongoing Negotiations
In response to the strike, Butler Hospital President and COO Mary Marran stated that the union had disengaged from the bargaining process. Marran affirmed that the hospital management has been negotiating in good faith, citing proposed wage increases and improved safety measures. She asserted that the hospital had offered a wage floor increasing to $19.32/hour, stating that 99% of employees would earn $20/hour or more by the end of a proposed four-year contract.
Nevertheless, state lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding the wages at Butler Hospital, labeling them as “shameful and unacceptable.” Of the 716 employees represented by the union, less than 20% make less than $20/hour, illustrating disparities in pay across the workforce.
Impact on Patient Care and Hospital Operations
Amid these tensions, the hospital has resorted to securing temporary staffing to maintain operations and ensure patient care continues without interruption during the strike. There are significant worries among lawmakers that the strike could harm patient care quality, especially when considering that nearly 70% of patients at Butler rely on Medicaid or Medicare.
Reports of unsafe working conditions have also surfaced, leading to calls for action regarding workplace violence. Workers have reported an alarming 41% increase in patient assaults from 2022 to 2024, raising serious concerns about employee safety and the adequacy of hospital staffing levels. Many employees have cited inadequate support and growing incidents of violence as key issues that need addressing.
Financial Implications and Related Claims
In order to manage patient care during the strike, Butler Hospital has incurred costs of approximately $3.2 million on temporary staffing. This financial burden underscores the potential impact of labor disputes on healthcare operations and employee relations.
In addition to wage negotiations, the union has claimed unfair labor practices against Butler, alleging that the hospital has not bargained in good faith and has made unilateral changes to employment conditions following the expiration of the contract. These allegations further complicate the already tense situation.
Overall, the strike at Butler Hospital reflects deeper issues within the healthcare system concerning wages, workplace safety, and employee welfare. With both sides presenting conflicting accounts of contract negotiations and proposals, the future remains uncertain as workers demand urgent changes while hospital management seeks to maintain stability amid growing unrest.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Union Workers Protest at Women & Infants Hospital
Butler Hospital Prepares for Strike Amid Safety Concerns
Butler Hospital Staff Prepare to Strike on May 15
Additional Resources
- WPRI: Butler Hospital Workers Go on Strike
- Wikipedia: Strike Action
- Boston Globe: RI Butler Hospital Nurse Strike
- Google Search: Butler Hospital News
- Providence Journal: Patient Assaults at Butler Hospital
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare
- PBN: Butler Hospital Unionized Employees Strike
- Google News: Butler Hospital Strike
