Rhode Island’s longest hospital strike ends as Care New England workers ink deal

Members of SEIU 1199NE at Care New England’s Butler Hospital in Providence, R.I., have ratified a new four-year labor contract, ending Rhode Island’s longest hospital strike, both parties confirmed in statements shared with Becker’s.

The news came after the hospital and union reached a tentative agreement earlier in August.

“After the [union] members’ bargaining committee approved a tentative agreement this weekend, it was presented to members this morning who voted overwhelmingly to ratify the agreement,” both parties said on Aug. 18. “This contract ends the strike and, most importantly, ensures that caregivers can return to their patients. While this has been a long and challenging process, both sides worked hard throughout negotiations to reach this resolution, and we are grateful for the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.”

According to SEIU 1199NE, the agreement includes:

• A wage increase of at least $6,000 in the first year of the contract for full-time employees. By the end of the four-year deal, all employees will earn at least $20 an hour. 
• Financial support for employees injured by workplace violence.
• Educational benefit worth $600,000 over the life of the agreement, administered by the SEIU 1199NE Training and Upgrading Fund.

Union members ratified the contract more than three months after hundreds of staff members at the hospital, including registered nurses, mental health workers, clerical, environmental service and dietary staff, began an open-ended strike May 15. SEIU 1199NE and the hospital began negotiating a new labor contract in March.

During the walkout, the hospital closed three units, pointing to the strike when announcing the closures.

On Aug. 18, both parties said they now look forward to restoring the services and that details about the hospital’s return-to-work plans will be forthcoming. 

“Both sides are proud to move forward with an agreement that recognizes and affirms the value of all workers and advances the mission of Butler Hospital,” they added.

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