A behavioral specialist at Groden Center’s day school in Providence participates in a September 2023 strike. Another strike was planned for Thursday, but after prolonged negotiations, staff and workers have reached a tentative contract. (Will Steinfeld/Rhode Island Current)
After months of negotiation, behavioral specialists at a Providence day school for young people with autism reached a late-night contract agreement with their employer on Monday, precluding a strike the unionized workers had planned for Thursday.
The tentative contract now goes to a member vote, which is expected to take place Thursday, said Amelia Abromaitis, a union spokesperson via email.
The 38 behavioral specialists, who are represented by SEIU 1199 NE, work at the Groden Center’s day school on Mount Hope Avenue in Providence. The workers provide a portion of the services offered at the Groden Center, which include children from birth up through age 22. Across the center’s offerings are instruction in things like communication skills, emotional growth and vocational training, with the intent of helping kids gain more self-reliance and functional life skills.