News Summary
Union workers at Women and Infants Hospital held an informational picket in response to recent layoffs and allegations of intimidation tactics by management. Organized by SEIU 1199 NE, the protest highlights concerns over patient care and worker rights amid escalating tensions between the union and hospital management. State lawmakers are calling on Care New England to support its workforce despite reported record profits, as issues of labor rights and healthcare service delivery come to the forefront.
Providence, Rhode Island – Union workers at Women and Infants Hospital held an informational picket on Wednesday in response to recent layoffs and allegations of intimidation tactics by management. The demonstration was organized by SEIU 1199 NE, which represents the employees at the hospital.
The picket occurred just one day after the hospital announced a new round of layoffs, which have reportedly affected the entirety of the Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) department. Union officials are demanding that Care New England, which owns the hospital, cease what they describe as anti-union and illegal tactics directed against workers. The union has raised concerns that these layoffs jeopardize patient care and increase staff workloads in critical departments, including surgery.
In the midst of these tensions, a spokesperson for Women and Infants Hospital defended the layoffs, asserting that the hospital is acting in accordance with a previously negotiated agreement with the union. The spokesperson also accused SEIU of hindering hospital operations rather than engaging in constructive discussions about employee concerns. In a further escalation, the hospital has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) complaint against the union, alleging that union members have engaged in bullying and intimidation tactics. The hospital’s complaint details multiple instances where union employees allegedly disrupted management meetings and threatened to contact local law enforcement if such behavior continues.
In retaliation, Care New England has also filed a complaint against SEIU 1199, escalating the ongoing conflict. The union, for its part, claims that management has violated labor rights and laws by intimidating employees through press statements and other means. Workers like nurse Justine Iadeluca have expressed persistent concerns related to unsafe staffing levels and perceived harassment from management.
Lawmakers in Rhode Island have voiced their opposition to the layoffs, arguing that despite record profits reported by Care New England, the organization should find ways to support its workforce rather than eliminate positions. The layoffs have raised alarm over how patient safety and care coordination may be adversely affected.
The situation at Women and Infants Hospital is further complicated by an ongoing strike at Butler Hospital, which is also under the management of Care New England. This strike has become the longest in Rhode Island’s history, bringing to light broader labor issues within the hospital system. State and local leaders have expressed support for the workers on strike and are urging both parties to come to an agreement.
As the tensions unfold, State Representative David Morales is considering new legislation aimed at regulating how state funds are utilized by hospitals, emphasizing the need for these institutions to put patient care and employee welfare at the forefront of their operations. The ongoing disputes highlight a critical moment for both management and union workers within the hospital system.
As the situation develops, the hospital management, union representatives, and state officials remain locked in dialogue over labor rights, employee treatment, and the future of healthcare services in the region, illustrating the complexities of modern healthcare labor relations.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- Wikipedia: Labor Unions in the United States
- Providence Business News
- Google Search: Women and Infants Hospital layoffs
- ABC 6 News
- Google Scholar: Women and Infants Hospital labor relations
- Providence Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Law
- WPRI News
- Google News: Women and Infants Hospital union
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
