PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Nearly three weeks after Butler Hospital management issued what it called its “last, best and final” contract proposal, the union representing striking workers has “overwhelmingly” rejected the offer.
The New England Health Care Employees Union (SEIU 1199NE) announced Wednesday that 98% of members voted against the July 11 offer, amid what is now the longest hospital strike in Rhode Island history.
‘It’s an ultimatum’: Butler Hospital issues final contract offer amid record strike
SEIU 1199NE previously responded, arguing the proposal “keeps its lowest paid members in poverty,” and criticized Butler for publicizing the contract before members had reviewed it.
One of the union’s main concerns is the hospital’s proposed $18-an-hour minimum wage, which amounts to about $37,440 a year before taxes. With the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island hovering around $1,800, the union said that wage would barely cover housing and gas, let alone other basic needs…