Time for justice for Butler Hospital workers - no more scabs, threats and retaliation

Workers march on Care New England corporate HQ as Butler Hospital cancels their health insurance

Steve Ahlquist

As Butler Hospital workers continued to wait for a response from Care New England to resume bargaining, striking workers marched to the Care New England headquarters at 4 Richmond Square, arriving around noon. They demanded that Michael Wagner, CEO of Care New England, return to the bargaining table immediately and settle a fair contract. 

On Thursday, May 29, after meeting with a federal mediator for 11 hours, union workers presented the hospital with a set of contract proposals aimed at reaching a mutually agreed-upon agreement. 

In response, Butler Hospital informed workers that they would be unable to respond to their contract proposals until the following week, days after terminating their health benefits on May 31. 

Workers’ medical benefits expired on May 31, but hundreds have been able to sign up for free or low-cost health insurance through HealthSource RI, the state marketplace.

Video: Striking Butler Hospital workers march to Care New England HQ & demand a fair contract

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