One year later, workplace violence and turnover have significantly dropped while wages have climbed
To arrange an interview with Butler workers, contact 860-280-6443 or comms@seiu1199ne.org
PROVIDENCE: Friday, May 15 marks one year since frontline caregivers at Butler Hospital launched what became Rhode Island’s longest hospital strike. On May 15, 2025, hundreds of registered nurses, mental health workers, dietary staff, environmental service workers, clerical staff, and others began an open-ended unfair labor practice strike in the pouring rain to confront a workplace violence crisis fueled by low wages and chronic short-staffing.
One year later, Butler union members achieved major improvements for staff and patients alike:
One year later, Butler union members achieved major improvements for staff and patients alike:
- Wage increases: Nearly every striking worker now earns at least $20 an hour, including service and maintenance workers whose starting wage was $15.53 when the strike began. Workers have received wage increases ranging from $3 to $8 an hour. All employees have already received two raises, with some receiving two additional increases based on seniority.
- Workplace violence: Incidents of workplace violence have dropped significantly in comparison to the same time frame last year. From January to March, 2026, there were 30 reported workplace violence incidents; in comparison there were 112 reported workplace violence incidents from January to March, 2025, a 73% decrease. (In 2022, there was 168 workplace violence incidents; 2023 - 205; and 2024 - 238)
- Reduced turnover: In 2024, the annual turnover rate was 37%. In comparison, based on the average monthly rate of employee exits since the strike ended, the projected annual turnover rate will be 17%.
- Training and education: Workers will soon begin enrolling for educational benefits through the SEIU 1199NE Training and Education Fund that includes tuition reimbursement, nurse loan repayment plan, semester and non-semester-based healthcare courses and more.
SEIU 1199NE represents over 800 positions at Butler Hospital including dietary staff, registered nurses, mental health workers, clerical, environmental service, and more. On April 25, 2025 91% of the entire workforce of frontline staff at Butler Hospital voted to authorize the strike, citing management’s refusal to address the workplace violence crisis and below market value-wages. After three long months that included the loss of health insurance, threats to permanently replace workers’ positions and marathon bargaining sessions, caregivers were finally able to settle a fair contract that 99% of participating workers voted to ratify on August 19, 2025.
To commemorate the historic strike, workers planted a purple and yellow pollinator garden, a symbolic oak tree and worked in tandem with the Blackstone Parks Conservancy to restore the soil and replant the grassy area on Blackstone Boulevard.
To commemorate the historic strike, workers planted a purple and yellow pollinator garden, a symbolic oak tree and worked in tandem with the Blackstone Parks Conservancy to restore the soil and replant the grassy area on Blackstone Boulevard.
Butler caregivers planned to hold an anniversary celebration this Friday, May 15, 2026 to install a commemorative plaque, but due to rain, have rescheduled the event to the following Friday, May 22 from 11AM - 5:30PM. Please RSVP to 860-280-6443 or comms@seiu1199ne.org.
Photo credit: Dominique Sindayiganza | @sindayiganza
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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 7,500 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.