PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — With the strike at Butler Hospital approaching the three-month mark, health care workers say they’ve made some progress toward a deal, though no agreement has been reached.
Members of the New England Health Care Employees Union (SEIU 1199NE) were expected to discuss their latest counteroffer at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
Two weeks ago, 98% of striking workers voted to reject Butler’s “last, best and final” offer. Union leaders said the latest proposal failed to benefit all members, particularly the lowest-paid workers.
BACKGROUND: Nearly all Butler Hospital workers vote ‘no’ on contract deal
One of the union’s main concerns has been the proposed $18 an hour minimum wage, which is about $37,500 a year before taxes for a 40-hour week. With the average one-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island being around $1,800 per month, union leaders claim that wage would barely cover housing and gas, let alone other basic needs…