We recognize the concerns raised by members of 1199 SEIU NE and respect their right to make their voices heard. However, the public deserves the full picture of what’s happening.
Contrary to recent media coverage and statements made by the union, Butler Hospital has been and remains committed to reaching a fair and responsible agreement. It was the union, not the hospital, that walked away from discussions on May 7th. The union released its bargaining committee and left the hotel where the parties were negotiating with no notice to the Hospital, then sent a one-sentence email that did not respond to the Hospital’s last, best, and final offer. We have remained actively engaged with federal mediators since the parties’ last bargaining session, but to our knowledge, the union has not.
Workplace safety and fair compensation are priorities we take seriously. That’s why we’ve proposed meaningful improvements aimed at addressing both.
We believe that the best way forward is through constructive dialogue, not a work stoppage. Our hospital leadership is ready to resume negotiations at any time. We’ve communicated that to the federal mediator but are still waiting for a response from 1199 SEIU NE.
