Butler union employees, Care New England set to return to bargaining table

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The striking union workers at Butler Hospital and their employer Care New England will return to the bargaining table Wednesday in hopes of a deal.

Care New England said the continued negotiations were at the request of the union workers, represented by SEIU 1199.

The last contract offer from Care New England was sent out on July 11 and it was overwhelmingly rejected by workers.

The union responded to the proposal saying in part:

“We cannot accept a proposal with so little change to management’s wage offers for anyone that is not a mental health worker or nurse – that includes employees in medical records, clerical, dietary, housekeeping, and social workers.”

In a statement Tuesday, Butler hospital said:

“Every day that SEIU 1199 ne keeps its members on strike adds strain to Rhode Island’s health care system. As always, striking employees are welcome back at any time to join the groups of employees who have already returned to Butler to do what they do best — care for patients.”

Today’s negotiation session is scheduled from 10 this morning to 4.