NEW: RI Hospital Says Nurse Picket Thursday Will Not Interrupt Services

GoLocalProv News Team

NEW: RI Hospital Says Nurse Picket Thursday Will Not Interrupt Services

Rhode Island Hospital
Rhode Island Hospital said that an informational picket by the United Nurses and Allied Professionals (UNAP) scheduled for Thursday will "not interrupt" services, but both sides are sparring as the prospect of a strike looms.

The most recent labor agreement between the parties expired on June 30, and currently UNAP members are now working under an agreed upon one-month extension. 

On Tuesday, UNAP, which represents roughly 2,300 nurses, therapists, technologists and other allied professionals at the hospital said that its members authorized the contract negotiating committee to issue a ten day strike notice to Rhode Island Hospital, in the event an equitable agreement cannot be reached. 

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In a release issued by UNAP, the union stated, "Lifespan is seeking to cut its contribution to the retirement security of union employees -- a move which would result in the loss of thousands of dollars to a member’s retirement. The hospital wants to make dramatic changes to the union's health coverage, and is proposing a pay freeze until July, 2016."

RIH Responds

Rhode Island Hospital responded in a statement on Wednesday.

"RIH’s goal is to achieve a fair contract that reflects the valuable role of our 2,200 nurses and tech staff, while recognizing the reality of a challenging economic climate and supporting our ability to respond responsibly to changing patient needs and care delivery. 

We want to assure our staff and our patients that if UNAP leadership chooses to give the hospital a 10-day strike notice, RIH is fully prepared to continue providing the high quality health care our patients have come to expect from the state’s major tertiary and trauma care hospital."

The sides have been sparring over the points of contention.

"For years, frontline caregivers have been asked to do more with less while the hospital spent lavishly on high-priced public relations campaigns; millions in salaries for top executives, and on other misplaced priorities," said UNAP Local President Helene Macedo. "It's time for Lifespan to stop shortchanging healthcare professionals and invest in patient care again."

UNAP released the following video in support of their position.  

Rhode Island Hospital fired back on Wednesday. 

"RIH is disappointed with the 10-day strike authorization vote, as well as UNAP’s public campaign against the hospital, including  inflammatory and inaccurate characterizations made by the union that distract from a  productive and respectful dialogue," said the hospital in a release. 

RIH said it is "committed to supporting, retaining and recruiting our nursing and technical staff by providing industry-leading wages and benefits," including "among the highest, if not the highest compensation in the state, [with an] average full-time compensation and benefits of $115,000 for full-time UNAP members."


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