Butler Hospital Closes Psychiatric Units Amid Strike

Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsHealthNews

Workers rally for improved contract terms outside Butler Hospital.

News Summary

Butler Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island has temporarily closed two psychiatric units impacting over 40 beds due to an ongoing strike involving 800 employees. The strike, which began on May 15, includes nurses and mental health workers demanding better wages and workplace safety. The hospital has started hiring to fill vacancies left by striking staff. Concerns arise over patient care availability as negotiations between the hospital and union members reach a stalemate, with future bargaining sessions scheduled.

Pawtucket, Rhode Island – In a significant move, Butler Hospital has temporarily closed two of its psychiatric units, totaling over 40 beds, due to an ongoing strike involving 800 employees. The strike, which began on May 15, includes nurses, mental health workers, social workers, and clerical staff, all demanding better wages, benefits, and workplace safety measures.

As tensions continue, Butler Hospital has begun posting job openings since May 29 in an effort to replace the striking employees. The closure of the psychiatric units, which serve as a critical component of the state’s largest mental health facility, has raised concerns about the availability of care for patients needing mental health services.

Strike Details and Employee Demands

Union members are calling for improved contract terms, emphasizing that the current negotiating climate has reached a stalemate. The hospital recently proposed what it describes as a “last, best, and final” contract offer, yet many workers perceive this move as more of an ultimatum than a genuine negotiation attempt. Among the key aspects of the proposal is a raised minimum wage for the lowest-paid workers to over $18 per hour, which is a 20% increase from Rhode Island’s current minimum wage. Other proposed salary increases include an hourly wage of $21.79 for mental health workers, reflecting a 19.3% raise, and a starting pay of $36 an hour for registered nurses, a 10.8% increase from current rates. The proposal also seeks to retain employee retirement benefits and pension protections.

Workplace Safety and Community Impact

In addition to the wage increases, the hospital’s proposal outlines the creation of a task force dedicated to workplace violence prevention and support for employees who have faced violence on the job. These measures aim to address growing concerns about safety in healthcare settings, especially after a recent report by the Rhode Island Department of Health identified an incident where an unlicensed individual was permitted to insert an IV catheter at the facility.

Hospital leadership has expressed apprehension regarding the strike’s impact on patient care, indicating increased strain on emergency departments and longer waitlists for treatment as staff levels dwindle. Concurrently, the ongoing worker shortage in healthcare, compounded by competitive salary offerings from neighboring states, has made it challenging to fill temporary positions.

Community Solidarity and Future Negotiations

Striking workers are actively participating in picketing and public rallies, showcasing community support for their cause. While some union members have chosen to return to work, Butler Hospital has not clarified how many have crossed the picket line. The union has also filed an unfair labor practice complaint against hospital management for alleged failures to negotiate in good faith.

Looking ahead, there is potential for agreements to be reached prior to the next scheduled bargaining session on June 17. Stakeholders hope to find resolution that addresses the needs and concerns of the workers while ensuring continued care for patients at Butler Hospital.