Nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Prepare to Strike
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) has confirmed that approximately 4,000 nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have scheduled a strike, marking a historic moment as the largest open-ended nurse strike in Massachusetts to date.
The strike is set to commence at 7 a.m. on October 14, following the required 10-day notice submitted by the nurses. This action is driven by demands for a new contract that includes affordable healthcare, equitable salaries, enhanced patient care protection, and respect for nursing professionals.
Kelly Morgan, a labor and delivery nurse and chair of the BWH MNA Bargaining Committee, emphasized the commitment of the nurses to their patients and their need for a fair contract: “Four thousand Brigham nurses are prepared to hold an open-ended strike because we are dedicated to our patients and united for a fair contract. We have repeatedly tried to get MGB to negotiate and avoid a second strike, but the billionaires who run MGB have shut the door on us. There is still time to reach an agreement that protects patient care and respects nurses. MGB needs to come back to the table and negotiate without preconditions.”
This upcoming strike follows a one-day work stoppage that occurred in July, during which nurses protested for improved wages and benefits. Although the nurses returned to work the subsequent Monday, the negotiations have since remained unresolved.
In response to the strike notice, Brigham and Women’s Hospital expressed its seriousness regarding the situation and affirmed readiness to maintain safe, high-quality care for patients throughout the strike duration. The hospital stated, “While we had hoped to avoid another strike, our teams have comprehensive plans in place, informed by our experience during the five-day work stoppage in July, to support continuity of care across Brigham and Women’s Hospital.”
Moreover, the hospital has indicated its willingness to engage with the MNA, asserting that it remains open to discussions “if the union is ready to make meaningful movement toward resolution on the outstanding issues.”
