Negotiations between the United Nurses and Allied Professionals and Lifespan management have concluded for the day. The strike at Rhode Island Hospital will begin today (Monday) at 3:00pm.

This morning’s meeting was ordered by the Federal mediator, and UNAP participated in good faith. Hospital management announced a deadline of 11:00am< for any agreement to be reached to avert a strike. That deadline has come and gone without a response from management to the union’s last offer, which was conveyed at approximately 9:15am. With no response from the hospital, negotiations have concluded for the day. No further negotiations have been scheduled at this time.

Lifespan management has informed members that they will be relieved as of 1:30pm, at which time they will exit the hospital. However, this does not change the 3:00pm start time when picketing will commence on Dudley and Eddy Streets in front of the Rhode Island Hospital campus.

“This is a difficult day for all of us. Every member who walks the picket line understands what’s at stake for themselves, their families and their patients. Lifespan is a broken system where wealthy executives make millions and front line caregivers are ordered to do more with less, and until that changes, patient care will continue to be adversely impacted,” said Frank Sims, RN, UNAP Local 5098 President. “We are grateful for the outpouring of support we have received over the last several days from current and former patients, as well as the public at large. Please continue to stand with us as we fight a fair and competitive contract.”

UNAP represents 2,400 nurses, technologists, therapists and health professionals at Rhode Island and Hasbro Children’s Hospitals.

[From a press release]