SEIU suing over layoffs at Women & Infants Hospital

Service Employees International Union is suing Providence-based Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island over its decision to implement layoffs, according to a Rhode Island Public Radio report.

On Monday, Women & Infants announced its plans to lay off 41 employees to control costs. According to the report, affected workers include certified nurses assistants, imaging technicians, and food and laundry service workers.

The hospital released a statement providing the reasons behind its decision to implement the layoffs, saying it is feeling increasing pressure to reduce costs to remain financially viable due to lower revenues and patient volumes dropping.

SEIU, which represents a majority of the affected workers, is now challenging the cuts.

Patrick Quinn, an SEIU spokesman, claims that the layoffs violate the hospital's contract with members. He believes the hospital should work with the union to avoid cutting positions, according to the report.

Women & Infants will work with human resources to determine if there are other job opportunities available for displaced employees within the same health network, according to the report.

A federal judge is expected to hear the lawsuit this week.

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