Strike Avoided At 5 Rhode Island Nursing Homes

PROVIDENCE, RI — A strike has been avoided at several nursing homes in Rhode Island.

On Friday, SEIU 1199NE, the union the represents workers at Charlesgate Nursing Center, Bannister House, Genesis Pawtucket Nursing Center, Hopkins Manor and Genesis Greenville, announced that the planned Aug. 5 strike was postponed thanks in part to Gov. Gina Raimondo's commitment to solving the state's nursing home staffing shortages.

On Thursday, Raimondo wrote a letter pledging to find a solution.

"My office is fully committed to working with the Legislature and the leadership of SEIU District 1199 to reach a fair resolution of the staffing issues you have raised and to develop a minimum staffing standard," the letter read in part.

Union employees voted to strike earlier this month following months of failed contract negotiations, calling for an established minimum staffing requirement in skilled nursing facilities. Employees held informational pickets and voiced their support for the Nursing Home Staffing and Quality Care Act, which would require 4.1 hours of direct patient care, per day if signed into law in Rhode Island.

"For years, caregivers, seniors and family members have been calling for an end to the deadly status quo in nursing homes, and we are glad Governor Raimondo has taken an important step toward ending the short staffing crisis," said Adanjesus Marin, the union's lead organizer. "The Legislature and state government have the power to fix this tomorrow. Rhode Island nursing home residents deserve 4.1 hours of care a day, and we will continue fighting until every resident receives quality care, dignity and respect and every nursing home hero has the staffing and resources she needs."

Earlier this month, Raimondo voiced her support for the bill and the worker's plight, saying the pandemic threw into sharp relief a longstanding problem. However, the governor said she didn't think it was an appropriate time to strike, considering the ongoing pandemic, and urged workers not to walk out.

"[These workers have] some of the toughest jobs," Raimondo said July 22. "Now is not the time to go on strike ... we need you."