Providence: On Monday, June 9 at 8:00 PM, hundreds of Butler Hospital union workers, along with their families, clergy, fellow union members, and community allies, will gather for a candlelight vigil to honor both the patients they serve and the dedicated frontline caregivers who provide essential mental health services every day. They are inviting anyone whose life has been touched by the care and services provided by the longtime dedicated staff at Butler. The more than 800 healthcare professionals represented by SEIU 1199NE are calling on hospital leadership to recognize their irreplaceable commitment to patient care by ensuring safe staffing levels, fair and livable wages, and improved workplace safety conditions.
On June 3, Butler management announced plans to permanently replace long-time staff who began their unfair labor practice strike on May 15. This was just days after Butler terminated workers workers medical benefits on May 31 despite workers' ongoing efforts to bargain in good faith to reach a contract settlement. As of May 14, Butler admitted they have spent over $3M on temporary workers.
This event is open to the public and all whose lives have been touched by the care and dedication of Butler's longtime staff
On June 3, Butler management announced plans to permanently replace long-time staff who began their unfair labor practice strike on May 15. This was just days after Butler terminated workers workers medical benefits on May 31 despite workers' ongoing efforts to bargain in good faith to reach a contract settlement. As of May 14, Butler admitted they have spent over $3M on temporary workers.
This event is open to the public and all whose lives have been touched by the care and dedication of Butler's longtime staff
- What: We are Irreplaceable: Butler Hospital Candlelight Vigil
- When: Monday, June 9, 2025 | 8:00PM
- Where: Outside Butler Hospital - 345 Blackstone Blvd, Providence
- Who: Butler Hospital frontline staff, community supporters, clergy and anyone whose life has been touched by Butler care.
###
District 1199 SEIU New England represents 29,000 health care and service workers in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Southeastern Massachusetts. In Rhode Island, 1199 SEIU NE represents almost 5,000 members. 1199 SEIU NE is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – a union of over 2 million members across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. SEIU has been a national leader in pushing the growing Fight for $15 and a Union movement.