This week, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller picketed with SEIU 1199 NE workers who are currently striking for better wages and working conditions at Butler Hospital. Under the leadership of Council President Miller, this council has demonstrated time again its steadfast commitment to the rights of Providence workers to organize and collectively bargain.
Monday marked the fifth day of demonstrations by striking workers outside Butler, and the third day the council president marched alongside them. Her appearance yesterday followed reports that several workers were fined $500 for noise violations while exercising their right to demonstrate for a fair contract. Today, media reported on a letter sent from hospital management to striking workers that their health coverage will be terminated on May 31. The council president condemns both of these punitive and reactionary measures in the strongest possible terms, and reiterates the council’s firm support for union members to peacefully demonstrate without fear of reprisal.
“These striking workers are fighting back against unfair wages and unsafe conditions, in keeping with the long, proud tradition of organized labor in this country and here in Providence,” said Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). “Unfortunately, the bosses have also kept up their own tradition: a tradition of bad faith, suppression, and cowardice. And now, we have learned that management is taking the cruel and unnecessary step of cancelling health insurance for striking employees, an irony for these essential healthcare workers that should enrage us all. I am proud to stand with these workers, and proud to serve on a City Council that recognizes the fundamental right to collectively bargain, struggle, and win.”
Councilors also commend the demonstrating workers for their commitment to making their voices heard in a way that minimizes disruption for the surrounding neighborhood. To this end, organizers have chosen to observe quiet hours before 8:00 AM and avoid the use of bullhorns or other noisemakers during that time. This willingness to respond to appeals from the community sets an example from which hospital management could draw a valuable lesson – meaningful progress is possible when built on a foundation of compassion and mutual respect. But that conversation is only possible when both sides are willing to listen.
“The striking employees at Butler perform demanding work often under extraordinary stress. They deserve a fair contract and have every right to organize toward that goal,” said Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), who represents the surrounding area. “I and many of my colleagues on the City Council stand in solidarity with the Butler employees, and we are grateful to both law enforcement and the demonstrators for ensuring that the workers’ essential right to strike is exercised peacefully and with respect for our neighbors.”
Councilors will continue to defend the rights of striking union members and amplify the voices and struggles of organized workers throughout the city. As they say on the picket line, ‘no contract, no peace.’
