Providence psychiatric hospital workers to strike over pay, staffing shortage, and increased workplace violence, union says

Dawn Williams, a registered nurse and negotiating committee member, said the decision was not taken lightly, “but we know [it’s] necessary to make the drastic improvements we need to feel safe at work.” Service Employees International Union (SEIU) District 1199 said the hospital’s union bargaining committee announced the planned strike on Tuesday, after 91 percent of the hospital’s 800-employee frontline staff voted last week to authorize a strike. PROVIDENCE – Staff at Butler Hospital in Providence will strike beginning May 15 as workers attempt to secure a new contract with...