Providence City Council to consider noise ordinance exemption for striking workers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence City Council said it would be considering an amendment to the city’s noise ordinance which would exempt striking workers from violations.

Council President Rachel Miller said the amendment proposal came after the alleged fining of striking workers at Butler Hospital.

“The noise ordinance was never intended to quiet people fighting for their families,” Miller said. “This amendment makes it clear: Providence will not use selective enforcement of the noise ordinance to silence workers standing up for their rights.”

SEIU 1199NE, which represents the Butler workers, said it appreciated the move by the council.

“We commend the Providence City Council for standing up for the First Amendment rights of healthcare workers,” Executive Vice President Jesse Martin said. “By supporting their fight for safer staffing, better working conditions, and improved job safety, the council is also standing up for the quality of care patients deserve.”

Miller’s full statement can be read below:

The noise ordinance was never intended to quiet people fighting for their families. The workers at Butler Hospital are striking for fair wages and safe working conditions—and doing so peacefully. I’ve joined them on the picket line, bullhorn in hand, and seen firsthand their commitment to their patients and our community. Yet they’ve been hit with $500 fines simply for making their voices heard. Butler’s workers are eager to return to the jobs they love—as soon as they win a fair contract that ends poverty-level wages and unsafe conditions. We won’t punish them in the meantime. This amendment makes it clear: Providence will not use selective enforcement of the noise ordinance to silence workers standing up for their rights.