Striking Butler Hospital staff could lose benefits at end of May
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — SEIU 1199 New England said Butler Hospital’s striking employees have received a letter announcing the termination of their health insurance by May 31.
SEIU 1199 NE, the union representing over 800 members of the Butler Hospital staff, began an open-ended strike on May 15, which is still ongoing. Union workers allege Care New England’s management of the hospital is not addressing concerns about workplace safety and wages.
According to SEIU 1199 NE, striking employees received a letter on Monday that said management is terminating medical, dental, and vision benefits by May 31. Additionally, life, long term disability, critical illness, accident insurance, and voluntary legal insurance will be impacted.
In response, Butler Hospital President and COO Mary Marran said the striking employees are losing their benefits due to federal law and benefit plan rules.
“In accordance with federal law and benefit plan rules, May 23rd will be the last paycheck for employees who are not actively working due to the indefinite strike, and their hospital-sponsored benefits will expire on June 1, 2025,” Marran said. “On May 16, 2025, we formally notified affected employees of this change and provided detailed information about COBRA coverage and other benefit options. Some benefits, such as life insurance, have already ended due to eligibility rules tied to active employment.”
Butler Hospital’s full statement can be read below:
“At Butler Hospital, our top priority remains the safety, well-being, and compassionate care of our patients and their families. We are fully committed to maintaining these standards throughout the ongoing strike by SEIU 1199 NE.
We have worked diligently to reach a fair and sustainable agreement, offering significant wage increases and improvements in workplace safety. Unfortunately, SEIU 1199 NE ended negotiations on May 7 and has not yet returned to the bargaining table, despite our continued willingness to resume talks.
In accordance with federal law and benefit plan rules, May 23rd will be the last paycheck for employees who are not actively working due to the indefinite strike, and their hospital-sponsored benefits will expire on June 1, 2025. On May 16, 2025, we formally notified affected employees of this change and provided detailed information about COBRA coverage and other benefit options. Some benefits, such as life insurance, have already ended due to eligibility rules tied to active employment.
We continue to urge SEIU 1199 NE to re-engage in good-faith negotiations so we can reach a resolution that refocuses our shared commitment on what matters most—our patients and the dedicated professionals who care for them.”
