Butler union workers vote to ratify new contract, ending strike

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Union workers at Butler Hospital voted “overwhelmingly” to ratify a new contract Monday, ending a months-long strike, a spokesperson for the hospital said.

In a joint statement attributed to both SEIU 1199NE leadership and Butler Hospital management, the spokesperson said details about a return-to-work plan for employees will be released soon.

In part, the joint statement reads:

We look forward to restoring all of the services that have distinguished Butler Hospital as a vibrant and vital provider of behavioral health care to Rhode Islanders. We would like to thank all of the members of Butler’s internal and external community for their patience and understanding as we worked to navigate the complexities and align on an agreement that we can all feel good about.

Union workers originally went on strike May 15.

Services that have been reduced during the strike are expected to be restored, the spokesperson said.