One of the largest healthcare strikes in state history may take place on Wednesday as negotiations continue between the Massachusetts Nurses Association and Mass General Brigham.Approximately 4,500 nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are planning a one-day strike beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday. The hospital is extending the stoppage to five days to fulfill contracts with the temporary nurses, should the strike be authorized.About 450 MGB Home Care clinicians are planning a seven-day strike beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.The MNA said contract negotiations have stalled over wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members.”This is for our patients,” said Olivia Smith, a nurse at MGB. “We want to be able to continue to give the excellent level of nursing care that we give, and we need MGB to respect us and give us a fair contract.”A spokesperson for MGB released the following statement in response to the union’s demands:”We believe it (the offer) appropriately recognizes our nurses’ important contributions while balancing our responsibility to sustain patient care and our broader mission for the long term.”Members voted to authorize the strike last week, and a required 10-day notification was sent to MGB.Gov. Maura Healey said she met with both parties on Monday and urged them to continue working towards an agreement.”The governor is focused on protecting patients, supporting the health care workforce, and avoiding disruptions to care,” a spokesperson for Healey’s office said. “She urges both sides to continue negotiating in good faith and reach a resolution as quickly as possible.”According to the union, final bargaining sessions were held last week, but no progress was achieved.In a joint statement, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, as well as Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Stephen Lynch urged both groups to return to the bargaining table.”Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, and we rely on their skills, compassion, and tireless work ethic to care for our loved ones,” the statement read. “The nurses at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mass General Brigham Homecare deserve a fair contract that reflects the essential contributions they make each and every day. We urge all parties to return to the bargaining table and reach a good faith agreement that provides stability for this critical workforce, Mass General Brigham, and the patients in their collective care.”
BOSTON —
One of the largest healthcare strikes in state history may take place on Wednesday as negotiations continue between the Massachusetts Nurses Association and Mass General Brigham.
Approximately 4,500 nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are planning a one-day strike beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday. The hospital is extending the stoppage to five days to fulfill contracts with the temporary nurses, should the strike be authorized.
About 450 MGB Home Care clinicians are planning a seven-day strike beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The MNA said contract negotiations have stalled over wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members.
“This is for our patients,” said Olivia Smith, a nurse at MGB. “We want to be able to continue to give the excellent level of nursing care that we give, and we need MGB to respect us and give us a fair contract.”
A spokesperson for MGB released the following statement in response to the union’s demands:
“We believe it (the offer) appropriately recognizes our nurses’ important contributions while balancing our responsibility to sustain patient care and our broader mission for the long term.”
Members voted to authorize the strike last week, and a required 10-day notification was sent to MGB.
Gov. Maura Healey said she met with both parties on Monday and urged them to continue working towards an agreement.
“The governor is focused on protecting patients, supporting the health care workforce, and avoiding disruptions to care,” a spokesperson for Healey’s office said. “She urges both sides to continue negotiating in good faith and reach a resolution as quickly as possible.”
According to the union, final bargaining sessions were held last week, but no progress was achieved.
In a joint statement, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, as well as Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Stephen Lynch urged both groups to return to the bargaining table.
“Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, and we rely on their skills, compassion, and tireless work ethic to care for our loved ones,” the statement read. “The nurses at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mass General Brigham Homecare deserve a fair contract that reflects the essential contributions they make each and every day. We urge all parties to return to the bargaining table and reach a good faith agreement that provides stability for this critical workforce, Mass General Brigham, and the patients in their collective care.”