Nurses Union to Picket in Front of RI Hospital on July 9
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
In reaction to Lifespan's attempt to cut down on compensation and benefits to its caregivers all while paying their top executives millions of dollars every year, members of the United Nurses and Allied Professionals (UNAP) Local 5098 will hold an informational picket at Rhode Island Hospital on July 9.
Lifespan, the health system from Rhode Island, is trying to cut its contribution to union employees' retirement security, which would cause a union member to lose thousands of dollars from their retirement. Rhode Island Hospital is also proposing a pay freeze until July 2016.
UNAP, made up of roughly 2,300 nurses, therapists, technologists and other allied professionals at the hospital are currently working at the hospital on a one-month contract extension after their four-year agreement expired on June 30.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAccording to the latest available IRS filings, Lifespan paid its top five executives and officers more than $12 million in 2012.
The union has agreed to at least four more negotiating sessions in July and will continue to work towards a fair and equitable contract that respects the work, sacrifice and commitment of its members, UNAP Local 5098 President Helene Macedo said.
"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," Macedo said. "It's time for Lifespan to stop shortchanging healthcare professionals and invest in patient care again," she added.
The picket will go from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM in front of Rhode Island Hospital at the corners of Dudley Street and Eddy Street.
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