Brigham nurses set to walk off the job Nov. 12 after contract rejection

The registered nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital will stop working on Nov. 12 at 7 a.m. The walkout is open-ended, meaning there is no scheduled end date. This action comes after the staff voted to reject the latest contract proposal from Mass General Brigham.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) represents over 4,000 nurses at the hospital. The elected bargaining committee issued a formal 10-day strike notice on Sunday, Nov. 1. This notice sets the timeline for the labor action. The nurses plan to return to the negotiating table on Nov. 9.

Kelly Morgan, a labor and delivery nurse who chairs the BWH MNA Bargaining Committee, outlined the committee's position. She stated that the group is ready to strike but is also prepared to negotiate a fair contract. Morgan said the goal is to protect patient care and respect the nursing staff while averting the strike.

Morgan emphasized that the nurses are resolved to fight for as long as necessary. She cited patient safety and professional respect as the primary drivers of the dispute. The committee aims to secure a deal that meets the needs of the nurses, their patients, and the community members who have supported them.

The strike notice signals that the current contract talks have stalled. The union and the hospital system must agree on terms before the Nov. 12 deadline. If no deal is reached by Nov. 9, the nurses will begin their work stoppage as scheduled.