Butler Hospital Strikes Enter Third Week Amid Labor Disputes

Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Healthcare workers holding a vigil to demand improved wages and safety in Butler Hospital.

News Summary

Striking employees at Butler Hospital and Care New England enter their third week of labor strike while seeking improved wages and working conditions. Approximately 800 workers represented by SEIU 1199NE continue to picket after contract negotiations stalled. Key points include significant wage disparities, the hospital’s recruitment of permanent replacements, and discussions about safety issues, particularly workplace violence. The strike draws attention from local officials, with calls for resumed negotiations to find a resolution that meets the needs of the workers.

Providence, RI – Striking employees of Butler Hospital and Care New England have now entered their third week of a labor strike as they continue negotiations for improved working conditions. Nearly 800 frontline staff represented by SEIU 1199NE have been picketing since May 15, following a near-unanimous vote in favor of the strike, which stemmed from stalled contract negotiations that expired on March 31.

On Friday, striking workers held a news conference to bring attention to the significant wage disparities between their current proposal and Care New England’s contract offer. For instance, a mental health worker noted that her hourly wage would increase from $26.42 to over $34 under the union’s terms, while the hospital proposed an increment to approximately $28 per hour.

In an effort to find common ground, the union has modified its proposal. Care New England has stated that it met recently with union representatives to discuss these changes. The hospital’s leadership expressed their commitment to reach a fair agreement that enhances staffing, safety, wages, benefits, and retirement security while also ensuring financial sustainability.

As tensions rise, Butler Hospital has begun posting job listings to recruit permanent replacements for striking workers, a move that has been described as necessary to maintain patient care continuity. The hospital president emphasized the importance of ensuring that patients continue to receive the care they require during the ongoing strike.

Striking employees are also organizing a candlelight vigil in the community at 8 p.m. on Monday to showcase their irreplaceability and solidarity among workers. The vigil is expected to serve as both a demonstration of unity and a plea for public support.

As the strike continues, many workers faced the unfortunate loss of health insurance benefits, which were terminated on May 31. This has resulted in numerous employees seeking alternative healthcare options through state programs. The implications of the strike are significant, with some workers considering enrollment in these programs or applying for unemployment insurance due to the disruption of their benefits.

The situation has drawn the attention of local government officials, including Governor McKee, who has urged both the hospital and the union to return to negotiations in good faith to achieve a timely and fair settlement. Lawmakers are also calling for both sides to resume discussions to resolve the ongoing strike effectively.

Reports reveal that Butler Hospital has allocated at least $3.2 million to hire out-of-state temporary workers to fill gaps during the strike. Additionally, some striking employees warned that if a fair contract isn’t reached soon, they fear it could set a precedent that may encourage other healthcare workers to initiate similar strikes in pursuit of better conditions.

Wage and safety concerns have been exacerbated by rising workplace violence incidents, with a reported 41% increase in patient assaults on staff between 2022 and 2024. Striking workers have advocated for the establishment of a workplace violence committee to address these alarming trends, further highlighting their need for improved job safety measures.

Starting hourly wages for various positions at Butler Hospital reveal a lack of competitive pay. For example, mental health workers start at $18.27, certified nursing assistants at $18.64, and service and maintenance staff at $15.53. Comparatively, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s living wage calculator indicates that to support a single adult in Providence adequately, an hourly wage of $23.46 is necessary.

The conflict has illustrated broader issues within healthcare labor relations and has raised the stakes for all parties involved. As the strike progresses, workers are hopeful for a resolution that addresses their demands for higher wages, enhanced job safety protocols, and improved benefits.