News Summary
Over 800 employees of Butler Hospital have been on strike for better wages and safer working conditions since May 15. Amid rising violence against staff, they demand higher pay and improved staffing levels while management claims to negotiate in good faith. As financial pressures build, the situation intensifies with workers receiving support from lawmakers.
Providence, R.I. – Workers from Butler Hospital have continued their strike, which began on May 15, in pursuit of better wages and improved working conditions. Approximately 800 employees, represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1199, have been on the picket line for nine days, demanding action in light of wage and healthcare benefit freezes, alongside concerns regarding workplace violence and safety.
The striking employees have publicly expressed their grievances at the Rhode Island State House, sharing harrowing experiences and injuries sustained from patient interactions. Reports indicate a disturbing trend of escalating workplace violence, with patient assaults against staff increasing by 41% between 2022 and 2024. In response to these rising concerns, workers are advocating for higher wages and enhanced staffing levels to ensure safety and adequate patient care.
Butler Hospital’s management, under the leadership of President and CEO Mary Marran, asserts that negotiations are ongoing and being conducted in good faith. The hospital has proposed a contract that includes wage increases of at least 18% for off-scale employees, along with increases of over 40% for the lowest-paid staff. Additional provisions in the proposal suggest multiple health insurance plan options, the preservation of the pension program for current employees, and a new retirement benefits package for future hires.
Despite the ongoing strike, Butler Hospital remains fully operational, relying on temporary workers to fill vacancies created by the striking staff. However, some allegations have surfaced from management, claiming that striking employees have engaged in harassment against patients entering the facility. These allegations include intimidation and threats, further complicating the dynamic of the strike.
The Rhode Island Department of Health has conducted an investigation into complaints against Butler Hospital, resulting in no findings of safety or patient care issues. Nevertheless, the strike reflects significant underlying issues, notably a sense of urgency among workers for increased pay, with starting hourly rates for the lowest-paid employees ranging from $15.53 to $18.64. This is in stark contrast to the living wage in Providence, calculated at $23.46 per hour for a single adult.
The employees’ contracts expired on March 31, and a decisive 91% of the staff voted in favor of the strike in late April after negotiations reached an impasse. This strike marks a significant moment, as it is the first time in 37 years that Butler Hospital workers have walked out. Unions have also started filing unfair labor practices complaints against management, accusing them of retaliatory actions against employees and an unwillingness to negotiate in a meaningful manner.
The financial implications of the strike are noteworthy; Butler Hospital has reportedly incurred at least $3.2 million in costs due to hiring out-of-state temporary workers in response to the strike. Striking workers indicated that financial pressures and safety protocols are critical issues to address to maintain quality patient care and employee safety during this challenging period.
Temporary staff employed during the strike have reportedly impacted the quality of patient care, leading SEIU 1199NE to raise concerns about the effectiveness of care being delivered amidst these challenges. Workers have continued to rally at the State House, receiving support from local lawmakers who echo their call for a swift resolution to the ongoing labor dispute.
As the strike approaches its tenth day, employees have been informed they will cease to receive pay after May 23, with their health insurance benefits set to expire by May 31, adding an additional layer of urgency to the situation. The continued efforts on both sides underscore the complex interplay of labor relations, employee welfare, and patient care in the healthcare sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Providence Healthcare Workers Enter Third Day of Strike
Butler Hospital Workers Strike for Better Wages and Safety Measures
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
- Turn to 10 News
- Providence Journal
- Rhode Island Current
- WPRI News
- Google Search: Butler Hospital Strike
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Strike
