Boston – Approximately 4,000 nurses from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, represented by the Massachusetts Nursing Association (MNA), are set to begin an open‑ended strike on Thursday if a new contract is not reached. The union is demanding a higher wage scale, limits on the use of traveling and temporary nurses, and more affordable health‑insurance options for its members.
Hospital’s Commitment to Care
Mass General Brigham (MGB), the health‑care system that operates Brigham and Women’s, assures patients that care will remain “the highest priority” throughout any labor dispute. The system plans to hire qualified temporary nurses to fill gaps, noting that many of these clinicians previously stepped in during the July work stoppage.
“We are utilizing real‑time safety monitoring and clear escalation pathways for any issues that can arise both in planning and during a potential strike,” said Dr. Paul Biddinger, MGB’s chief preparedness officer, during an October media briefing. The hospital also highlighted its successful safety record during the July strike, stating that there was no increase in the number or severity of safety events reported.
Union’s Position
The MNA says its members are fighting for compensation that reflects the rising cost of living while also seeking protections against the growing reliance on temporary staffing. “We made some progress during off‑the‑record bargaining on Monday, negotiating from 9 a.m. until just after midnight without reaching a resolution,” wrote Kelly Morgan, MNA chair and a labor‑and‑delivery nurse at Brigham and Women’s. “We are ready to resume negotiations any time before November 12 to reach an agreement that averts the strike. We hope MGB will return to the table in good faith and meet the needs of nurses and patients.”
What Patients Should Know
Patients with concerns are encouraged to contact their provider or the Patient and Family Relations office. Hospital officials stress that temporary staff will be fully credentialed and that existing safety protocols will remain in effect.
“We recognize that inflation and the cost of living are real concerns for our employees. While these pressures are important, they are not the primary drivers of compensation decisions and must be applied consistently across all roles to ensure fairness and equity,” the hospital said in a statement.
Next Steps
The two sides are scheduled to meet at noon Wednesday to continue negotiations, with the hope of reaching a contract before the planned strike date. Both parties have acknowledged progress on workplace‑safety proposals, though no final agreement has been announced.
Mass General Brigham reiterated that its “latest offer includes competitive pay” and that its nurses are already among the highest‑paid in the region and the country. The system remains confident that its preparedness plans will safeguard patient care, regardless of the outcome of the labor talks.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
