Butler president accuses striking workers of threats, harassment; union calls claims a distraction

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Butler Hospital has released a statement claiming striking hospital workers have engaged in harassment and safety-compromising actions during their recent pickets.

According to Butler President and COO Mary E. Marran, members of Butler Hospital worker union SEIU 1199 NE picketing outside Butler facilities have engaged in reported and “verified incidents” including the harassment and intimidation of patients, following temporary replacement workers to their hotels and posting online threats toward hospital leadership.

The statement also said that union members have attempted to interfere with temporary workers’ safe arrival to the facility, made online threats implying physical harm to hospital leadership and disrupted an educational event with physicians.

An excerpt from the statement reads:

Even more concerning, patients have arrived at Butler Hospital in visible distress and tears after having to pass through hostile picket lines. For individuals already struggling with mental health issues, this additional trauma is dangerous and inexcusable.

Butler Hospital will continue to prioritize the safety and dignity of every person who walks through our doors. We remain here for good-faith negotiations to reach a fair agreement, but we will not compromise on the safety of our patients, staff, or the public.

The Butler union strike began on May 15 after the two sides were unable to agree on contract terms.

When reached for comment on Marran’s allegations, Jesse Martin, Executive Vice President of SEIU 1199 NE released the following statement:

Butler Hospital’s claims are yet another tactic to distract from the real threat of violence – the workplace violence epidemic that frontline staff must face each and every day on the job. Incidents of patient assaults against staff have risen over 40% since 2022 because Care New England fails to provide the necessary staffing to keep their employees safe.

Butler’s baseless assertions are an insult to its career-long caregivers who are non-violently pushing for greater workplace safety and economic justice. Instead of trying to demonize and intimidate their dedicated employees and strip away their medical benefits, Care New England needs to act with urgency to boost wages and staffing to solve this escalating cycle of violence.