Home Industries Health Services 38 Groden Center employees back to work after 3-day strike

38 Groden Center employees back to work after 3-day strike

Updated at 1:30 p.m.

By

Katie Castellani

-

09/17/2024

thumbnail_Groden Workers Return — AFTER COMPLETING a three-day strike dozens of employees at the Groden Center have returned to work with a date for their next bargaining session on the calendar./COURTESY OF SEIU 1199NE

PROVIDENCE – After completing a three-day strike, dozens of employees at the Groden Center have returned to work with a date for their next bargaining session. On Sept. 11, 38 behavioral specialists for the Groden Center, who are members of SEIU 1199NE, hit the picket line to advocate for higher wages, better staffing and safer

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PROVIDENCE – After completing a three-day strike, dozens of employees at the Groden Center have returned to work with a date for their next bargaining session. On Sept. 11, 38 behavioral specialists for the Groden Center, who are members of SEIU 1199NE, hit the picket line to advocate for higher wages, better staffing and safer working conditions. The strike came after the workers failed to come to a contract agreement – which they’ve been negotiating since June – with Groden management. While the workers say their electronic badges were deactivated and work emails were locked during the strike, a union spokesperson has confirmed that the striking employees returned to work Monday morning. They were joined by local officials including Rep. Brandon Potter, D-Cranston, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller and City Councilor Sue Anderbois who showed their support for the workers while they continue to pursue contract negotiations. The next bargaining session between workers and Groden management is scheduled for Sept. 26, said Jesse Martin, executive vice President of SEIU 1199NE. The caregivers at the Groden Center, which is part of The Groden Network, offer support and educational services for children with autism. The Groden students have a variety of special needs and some need one-to-one care. However, the center is so short-staffed employees are responsible for more students than they can safely care for, the workers said. They say low wages are fueling the shortage with the starting wage for a behavioral specialist at $18 per hour, or under $35,000 a year. This means many Groden employees must work multiple jobs to take care of their families. A representative for The Groden Network did not immediately respond to PBN’s request for comment. UPDATE: Adds comment from Martin in 4th paragraph.) Katie Castellani is a PBN staff writer. You may contact her at Castellani@PBN.com.