Boston – A planned indefinite strike by roughly 4,000 nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital was called off after the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) announced a tentative contract agreement late Wednesday night. The nurses had been set to begin the strike Thursday morning, a move that could have disrupted care at one of the city’s leading medical centers.
According to NBC Boston, the MNA posted the tentative deal on its Facebook page at about 11:25 p.m. Wednesday. The agreement addresses the union’s core priorities, including protecting safe patient care, preserving affordable health insurance for staff, and maintaining the nurses’ wage scale.
Kelly Morgan, chair of the bargaining committee, praised the outcome, saying, “I’m incredibly proud of the Brigham nurses who stood strong to protect the world‑class patient care we provide.” She added that the deal was secured with “the help of countless community members, patients, unions and elected officials who supported us for many months.”
The hospital’s statement, posted on the Mass General Brigham website, noted that the tentative agreement was reached within the financial limits of the hospital’s last, best and final offer presented on Oct. 10. It emphasized that the agreement “recognizes their important contributions while supporting the long‑term sustainability of our hospital and our ability to care for our patients and communities.”
Governor Maura Healey, who had urged both sides to stay at the negotiating table, issued a statement Thursday morning commending the resolution. She said, “I’m pleased that the Brigham and Women’s administration and nurses have reached a tentative agreement, averting a strike and keeping the focus on protecting care for patients and families.”
The MNA indicated that its bargaining committee, composed of nurses elected by their peers, will recommend that the membership vote to ratify the agreement. The union’s press release stressed that the deal still requires formal ratification by the nurses in the bargaining unit.
Hospital officials had previously warned that patient care remained the “highest priority” and that temporary nurses would be hired to fill any gaps should a strike occur. With the strike averted, Boston residents can expect continuity of services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a key provider for the city’s health needs.
What’s next: The MNA plans to hold a ratification vote among the nursing staff in the coming weeks. If the nurses approve the contract, the tentative agreement will become binding, securing the terms outlined and ending the threat of a work stoppage.
Sources: nbcboston.com
