Striking Workers Hold Vigil Amid Labor Dispute at Butler Hospital

News Summary

Workers at Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, are on strike as their labor dispute enters a month-long stalemate. In solidarity, they plan a candlelight vigil to honor their contributions and patients amid management’s controversial decision to hire permanent replacements. The strike, mainly regarding wage disparities and working conditions, has invoked community support as negotiations remain stagnant, increasing tensions among employees while highlighting the need for fair treatment in the healthcare sector.

Providence, R.I. – Striking Workers Hold Vigil Amid Labor Dispute

Workers at Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, are currently on strike as their labor dispute approaches its one-month mark. In a show of solidarity, a candlelight vigil titled “We Are Irreplaceable” is set for 8 p.m. on Monday, aimed at honoring both patients and the contributions of striking employees. This event comes in response to Butler Hospital management’s decision to hire permanent replacements for some staff members who are participating in the strike. The vigil is open to the public, according to a spokesperson for the union.

The labor dispute between Care New England, the parent company of Butler Hospital, and striking employees intensified over recent contract negotiations. Workers have pointed out significant wage disparities between the union’s proposal and what the hospital has offered. One mental health worker, who has nearly 29 years of service at the hospital, indicated that under the union’s proposal, their potential wage could increase from $26.42 to over $34 per hour, significantly contrasting with the hospital’s offer of roughly $28 per hour.

In an effort to foster negotiation, the union has made adjustments to their wage proposal. Care New England maintains that they are committed to reaching an equitable agreement that encompasses concerns regarding staffing, safety, wages, benefits, and retirement security.

However, the recent announcement of permanent replacements for some striking employees by Butler Hospital poses a legal risk, as such actions are considered illegal under federal law. Workers who are permanently replaced during a strike risk losing their positions permanently, a move that has generated further discontent among staff. Care New England has acknowledged that some employees have returned to work, but the exact number remains undisclosed.

The union is urging community members to participate in the candlelight vigil to highlight the indispensable role that the striking workers play at the hospital. Picketing by nurses and workers from SEIU 1199NE, which represents over 700 employees at Butler Hospital, commenced on May 15, spurred by stagnant negotiations and dissatisfaction regarding compensation and workplace safety measures.

The financial implications of the ongoing strike have been significant for Butler Hospital, which has reportedly incurred up to $2 million in expenses to hire temporary workers in order to maintain operations during this labor dispute. The average hourly wage for around 135 staff members is approximately $19, considerably lower than the average pay for healthcare workers in the state of Rhode Island. This disparity may further contribute to underlying tensions among employees.

Moreover, reports indicate an uptick in workplace violence, with incidents of patient-on-staff assaults rising by approximately 16% between 2023 and 2024, raising further concern about the work environment for hospital employees.

While management has proposed wage increases, including a gradual rise of the minimum hourly wage, the union has contested the sufficiency of these proposals, arguing that they do not adequately address the pressing concerns of employees.

Negotiations between Care New England and the union came to a halt around May 7, and as of May 16, no further meetings are scheduled. Recent developments indicate that SEIU 1199NE’s last paychecks were distributed in the preceding week, and their health benefits are due to expire on May 31.

As the strike continues, both sides appear entrenched in their positions, making it unclear how much longer the labor dispute will persist. The forthcoming vigil serves as a critical moment for the striking workers to call attention to their circumstances and rally community support in the face of ongoing challenges.

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Additional Resources

• Turn to 10: Butler Hospital Workers Wage Dispute
• Wikipedia: Labor Strike
• ABC 6: Butler Hospital Candlelight Vigil
• Google Search: Butler Hospital labor dispute
• WPRI: Butler Hospital Permanent Replacements
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Relations
• Rhode Island Current: Striking Workers March
• Google News: Striking Workers Butler Hospital
• Providence Journal: Butler Hospital Strike