Boston – Approximately 4,000 nurses from Brigham and Women’s Hospital are preparing to begin an open‑ended strike on Thursday, after negotiations with the Massachusetts Nursing Association (MNA) have not yet produced a contract.
Why the nurses are striking
The MNA says its members are seeking a higher wage scale, limits on the use of traveling and temporary nurses, and more affordable health‑insurance options. Union chair Kelly Morgan, a labor‑and‑delivery nurse at the hospital, said the union made progress in off‑the‑record talks but still needs a fair agreement before the strike can be averted.
Hospital’s plan to protect patients
Mass General Brigham (MGB), the parent system of Brigham and Women’s, emphasizes that patient safety remains its highest priority. Dr. Paul Biddinger, MGB’s chief preparedness officer, explained that the system will employ “real‑time safety monitoring and clear escalation pathways” for any issues that arise during the work stoppage.
The health‑care group also noted that it successfully maintained safe operations during a previous work stoppage in July. Karen Fiumara, vice president of patient safety, said the July strike saw no increase in the number or severity of safety events, and the same protocols will be used this time.
Temporary staff will fill gaps
To keep services running, MGB will bring in highly trained temporary nurses, many of whom previously filled in during the July strike. The system says these clinicians are fully credentialed and will be supervised by existing staff to ensure continuity of care.
Union’s perspective on the negotiations
While the union acknowledges recent progress on workplace‑safety proposals, it says no final deal has been reached. Morgan wrote that the union negotiated from 9 a.m. until after midnight on Monday without a resolution, but remains ready to resume talks before November 12.
“We are united for safe patient care and a fair contract,” Morgan added, urging MGB to return to the bargaining table in good faith.
What patients can expect
Patients scheduled for elective procedures or routine visits are advised to stay in touch with their care teams. The hospital’s communications office says that any changes to appointment times will be communicated directly to patients, and that urgent and emergency services will continue without interruption.
For Boston families concerned about continuity of care, the hospital recommends confirming any upcoming appointments and reviewing the hospital’s patient portal for updates.
Broader context
The strike reflects a growing national conversation about nursing wages, staffing levels, and health‑insurance costs. While the dispute is local to Boston, it underscores the importance of fair compensation for frontline health workers and the need for health systems to balance fiscal responsibility with quality patient care.
Both the union and MGB have expressed a desire to avoid a prolonged work stoppage, emphasizing that patient safety and community health remain the shared priority.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
