Nursing Home Workers Postpone Strike at Governor Raimondo’s Stated Commitment Toward Safe Staffing

Nursing home workers at five facilities postpone plans to strike on August 5 as they continue to push for better standards  

On Thursday, July 30, caregivers at five nursing homes facilities – Charlesgate Nursing Center, Bannister House, Genesis Pawtucket Nursing Center, Hopkins Manor, and Genesis Greenville – agreed to suspend plans to strike on August 5 at the urging of Governor Raimondo who has pledged to find a solution to Rhode Island’s chronic nursing home staffing crisis.

In a letter submitted on July 30, Governor Raimondo stated, «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.» 

Governor Raimondo’s letter can be accessed here.

«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, Lead Organizer for SEIU 1199NE. «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.»

Caregivers submitted contract proposals over one year ago that would create safe staffing standards of 4.1 direct-care hours, wage boosts, affordable healthcare and training opportunities. SEIU 1199NE represents approximately 850 healthcare workers in RI nursing home facilities.