Butler Hospital, striking workers to return to contract negotiations Wednesday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The SEIU 1199 NE union and Butler Hospital will resume contract negotiations Wednesday after the union went on strike on May 15, according to statements from representatives of both groups.

In a statement, SEIU 1199 NE delegate and bargaining committee member Dawn Williams said:

Today the union negotiating team is meeting with a federal mediator, and we, as Butler Hospital union employees, are all committed toward reaching a fair resolution.

We call on Care New England to settle this contract by providing the compensation, staffing and workplace safety we all need and deserve.

The return to the bargaining table was also confirmed in a statement from Butler Hospital President and COO Mary E. Marran:

We are returning to the table with a continued commitment to productive dialogue and the goal of reaching a fair and sustainable agreement.

We intend to engage in discussions around key priorities such as workplace safety, compensation, and health care coverage. These ongoing conversations reflect our shared commitment to supporting our staff and ensuring high-quality care for our patients.

The union went on strike after it claimed Butler and owner Care New England failed to address workplace safety issues and wage increases, among other issues.

Care New England stated that the union walked away from bargaining on May 7 after the hospital owner offered a four-year contract that included raises and safety considerations.