Butler workers sign up for state healthcare after hospital cuts strikers’ insurance

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The worker strike outside Butler Hospital has now stretched into a new month, and with that, new complications for the workers represented by SEIU 1199.

As of Sunday, June 1, the hospital terminated the striking Butler workers’ health insurance.

This is in line with the hospital’s rhetoric, and the expectations from the union.

In a release, the union said, “Butler tried to use our access to healthcare against us to end the strike, but it backfired.”

This comes as they announced all the workers signed up for healthcare benefits through the state.

This development comes days after Governor McKee wrote to Butler Hospital and the union to urge a deal.

In Governor McKee’s Friday letter, he’s urged both sides to “…immediately return to the bargaining table and reach a fair and timely agreement. Negotiations must be guided by respect, good faith, and a commitment to those who rely on the crucial services provided at Butler Hospital.”

The strike is scheduled to continue outside Butler Hospital starting at 6 a.m.