Nearly unanimous vote signals major labor dispute as workers demand change amid staffing shortages and stagnating wages
Workers at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, are preparing for a strike on December 12, following months of failed negotiations over a new labor contract. Members of SEIU 1199 New England, representing around 1,800 hospital employees, voted overwhelmingly in favor of the walkout. With the expiration of their previous contract on November 30, these frontline caregivers are demanding improvements in staffing, wages, and working conditions.
SEIU 1199 New England represents about 29,000 healthcare and service workers across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southeastern Massachusetts. The union has voiced concerns over staffing shortages, rising costs of living, and stagnant wages, all contributing to increased stress among hospital workers. The decision to strike was not made lightly, according to union representatives, but after months of fruitless bargaining.
“The stress is real,” said Nancy Chandley Adams, a lactation nurse at Women & Infants Hospital for 37 years. “We have tried other avenues, but things haven’t improved. We feel like we’ve hit a wall.”
Women & Infants Faces Pressure as Negotiations Stall
Women & Infants Hospital, one of New England’s largest obstetrical facilities, serves thousands of patients each year, with about 8,700 babies born annually. The hospital has been a trusted provider for local families, handling obstetrics, gynecology, newborn pediatrics, and a range of women’s health services.
The unionized staff at Women & Infants, which accounts for approximately 90% of the hospital’s workforce, have been negotiating a new contract since October. However, the hospital’s parent company, Care New England, and union representatives have failed to reach an agreement.
Hospital administrators have expressed disappointment over the strike vote. In a statement released on November 27, Shannon Sullivan, the hospital’s president and COO, emphasized the hospital’s “good faith” negotiations, which have included a proposed $19 million wage and pension package over three years. This offer includes wage increases of at least 5.5% for union workers, as well as low-cost health plans and bonuses for some employees.
“We will continue negotiating in hopes the union changes its mind, but patients can rest assured that the hospital is well-prepared to provide excellent care for all needs if there is a strike,” Sullivan said.
However, the hospital acknowledges that continuing normal operations during a strike would cost at least $9 million. Striking workers will not be paid for their shifts, which may only add to the financial strain for employees already dealing with rising living costs.
Worker Discontent: Stagnating Wages and Stress Over Living Costs
A recent survey of union members revealed significant concerns about financial stress. Of the 347 workers who responded, 68% expressed difficulty “making ends meet.”
“This is a profession driven by people who care deeply about their work,” said Chandley Adams. “But when you feel like your worth isn’t being recognized, it’s a tough pill to swallow.”
Many hospital workers say they are being asked to take on more responsibilities as staffing shortages continue to worsen. Nurses, respiratory therapists, dietary staff, and custodial workers alike have all raised alarms about the impact these pressures are having on their ability to provide high-quality care.
Chandley Adams reflected on how the working environment has changed over the years. “It’s no longer about focusing on patients,” she said. “Now, it’s about getting through the day as quickly as possible. But that’s not the way we used to work. It used to be about care.”
The growing dissatisfaction among workers is compounded by the increasing cost of living, which has made it harder for many to keep up financially, even with the proposed wage increases.
A Divisive Battle Over Hospital’s Future Direction
Hospital officials argue that they have been negotiating in good faith and have made significant concessions in the proposal. However, many workers feel that these offers do not go far enough to address their growing concerns.
Adams described a shift in hospital culture from patient-focused care to a more business-oriented approach. “It’s not about providing the best care anymore. It’s about how quickly we can turn patients over,” she said. “The emphasis on profit is starting to show in the quality of care, and it’s putting all of us under more pressure.”
The hospital’s parent company, Care New England, has promised to continue negotiations, with the hope of averting the strike. However, with only a few days remaining before the planned walkout, the future of the negotiations remains uncertain.
Potential Impact of the Strike on Local Families and Patients
The strike could have significant implications for the local community, particularly expectant mothers and families who rely on Women & Infants for specialized care. The hospital handles a significant portion of local births, and many families in the area consider it their primary healthcare provider.
While hospital officials have assured the public that they are prepared to continue providing care during the strike, it’s unclear how a prolonged work stoppage would affect services in the long term. The emotional and financial toll on both workers and patients may make it more difficult for the hospital to maintain its reputation as a trusted provider.
A strike would also likely heighten tensions between hospital management and union workers. If the strike does go ahead, the hospital will face increased operational costs, as well as potential disruption to patient care.
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