The BMC system took over operations of the hospital in October 2024 and renamed the facility in May. The state guaranteed BMC $387 million in cash over five years to cover costs for absorbing the hospital and Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, now called BMC South. <\/p>\n
As part of that transfer, BMC agreed to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement signed by the nurses union at St. Elizabeth\u2019s, said MNA director Dana Simon. That agreement will expire at the end of January. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we learned that BMC was going to take over our hospital from Steward, we were thrilled and thought we were finally going to see the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel,\u201d said nurse Ellen MacInnis during a recent negotiation session. \u201cBut since starting this process and seeing what you want to do to us, we now see that light as an oncoming train.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the decision to bring the strike authorization to a vote, MNA cited a number of contract changes proposed by BMC Brighton leadership that the union said would cut staffing levels and benefits. These changes, MNA said, would result in \u201cthe loss of thousands of dollars a year for most nurses\u201d and reduction of the hospital\u2019s ability to recruit and retain staff. <\/p>\n
The proposed changes include the elimination of assignment-free charge nurses who are responsible for coordinating the assignment of patients to staff on the unit and stepping in during patient crisis situations. BMC also proposed eliminating a resource nurse in the hospital\u2019s maternity unit, MNA said. <\/p>\n
Additionally, nurses who are not currently participants in the MNA\u2019s pension plan would no longer have access to the program. <\/p>\n
The majority of nurses at BMC Brighton took part in the vote to authorize a strike if needed, MNA said. Of those who voted, 97 percent approved the measure. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis vote sends a clear message that our members are united in our commitment to make a stand for our patients, our community and our professional integrity in the wake of this blatant effort to balance BMC\u2019s budget on the backs of those who have the greatest impact on the safety of the patients and the future success of this facility,\u201d said Kirsten Ransom, BMC Brighton nurse and MNA committee co-chair, in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn our contract discussions with the Massachusetts Nurses Association, which represents most registered nurses at BMC Brighton, our goal is to reach a fair and sustainable compensation and benefits agreement,\u201d Markeisha Marshall, BMC vice president for communications, said in a statement. \u201cAt the same time, any agreement must align with our recovery plans and reflect the significant financial pressures facing BMC Brighton, our health system, and the broader health care industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
The authorization of a potential strike is uncommon during MNA\u2019s union negotiations, Simon said. <\/p>\n
The union, which includes 650 BMC Brighton nurses and 100 non-nurse health care workers, is legally required to give the hospital a 10-day notice before proceeding with a strike. MNA declined to speculate on what circumstance would necessitate the strike. <\/p>\n
Discussions between the union and hospital leadership about the new contract began in September. So far, six negotiation sessions have taken place, two of which included a federal mediator. The next negotiation is scheduled for Jan. 5.<\/p>\n