Council President Rachel Miller and members of the Providence City Council commend the historic contract ratified by SEIU 1199NE workers at Butler Hospital and applaud that, following sustained pressure from Council leadership, the City of Providence today dropped all $500 noise citations levied against striking workers. 

Throughout the three month strike, Council members marched the picket line, passed a resolution in support of the workers, and repeatedly condemned the City’s issuance of punitive fines. Today, the City’s Law Department formally dismissed the charges—a clear win for workers’ rights and free expression in Providence. 

“Butler workers stood together for their families, their co-workers, and their patients, and the City Council was proud to stand with them every step of the way,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Earlier this week, we celebrated the ratification of a contract that meaningfully improves their lives. Today, we welcome the reversal of unjust noise citations that should never have been issued. $500 fines could not quiet the striking workers, whose tenacity and solidarity led directly to a strong new contract. When the City punished workers for raising their voices, we raised ours, and I’m happy today to see the penalties dropped.” 

The new four-year contract raises wages by up to $5/hour, protects health coverage, strengthens workplace safety, and secures retirement and education benefits. By the end of the agreement, no worker will earn less than $20 per hour. Members of the Providence City Council congratulate SEIU 1199NE workers on this hard-fought victory and remain committed to defending workers’ rights, supporting healthcare staff, and holding institutions accountable when they retaliate against organizing workers.