Lifespan: Strike staff cost will come from UNAP contract

Updated: 2:02 p.m.

PROVIDENCE — Lifespan has bought a full-page ad in the Providence Journal assuring patients they will have replacement staff during the strike United Nurses and Allied Professionals Local 5098 announced starting July 23, which Lifespan says will cost at least $11 million starting this afternoon, to be subtracted from the contract increases offered to the union.

“We have a responsibility to our patients and to all of our employees to be fiscally prudent with the very thin margins the health care industry supports. So money spent on this staffing plan will necessarily come from the increases we’d initially proposed,” according to a statement from the company.

UNAP represents more than 2,400 nurses, therapists, technologists and other allied health professionals at Rhode Island and Hasbro Children’s Hospitals who are affected by the strike notice.

Lifespan Vice President Jane Bruno said the company has already had to pay $1 million to marshal replacement workers, including licensing fees, plane fare and local hotel accommodations. Another $10 million will be due this afternoon if the strike plans are unchanged.

- Advertisement -

UNAP Local 5098 President Frank Sims characterized the warning as an intimidation negotiation tactic.

“Our members will not be intimidated or bullied into accepting a contract by wealthy Lifespan executives. This latest measure to lessen the offer of an already unacceptable contract is a fundamental example of everything that is wrong with corporate-driven healthcare that puts the bottom line ahead of patient care,” Sims said.

Sims said the union rejected the deal because it fails to address systemic problems of wage competitiveness leading to high staff turnover and a lack of critical support and resources for front-line caregivers.

“While Lifespan has chosen to bargain in bad faith, we will remain at the table in hopes of reaching an equitable deal that respects the commitment and sacrifice of bedside caregivers and all health professionals,” Sims added.

A federal mediator ordered the parties to meet Monday, July 16, said Bruno in an email to employees Monday.

“Unfortunately, no progress was made,” Bruno wrote. “The Hospital explained to the Union that due to the financial pressures on all of Lifespan, it is unable to increase its Last, Best and Final Offer in response to the threat of a strike,” she added.

The mediator ordered the parties to meet again Tuesday.

According to Lifespan, the “Last, Best and Final Offer,” includes increases for all nurses and technicians ranging from 6.0 percent to 19.75 percent over several years, “Keeping our more experienced nurses among the best compensated in the state, and bringing our nurses with 10 years or less here to competitive rates for our market. Our health plan, retirement match and professional development opportunities are quite generous,” Lifespan stated.

Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com