Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
ARLINGTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Thousands of Mass General Brigham nurses are set to go on strike on Wednesday. It would be the largest healthcare strike in Massachusetts history.
More than 4,000 unionized nurses are set to walk off the job during the one-day strike. About 450 home care clinicians are also set to a hold a seven-day strike from July 8 to July 15.
The nurses' demands include wage increases, affordable health insurance, and limits to the use of temporary travel nurses, according to the Massachusetts Nurses Association. Unionized nurses voted overwhelmingly last month to authorize the strike after months of failed negotiations with the hospital.
Kelly Morgan, chair of the Brigham MNA Bargaining Committee, said in a press release that MGB's offer of 0% wage increases was "insulting." She also said the hospital was unwilling to move "on other key issues like health insurance and limiting temporary staff."
"MGB’s position is completely disrespectful to Brigham nurses who care for patients under extremely challenging and unsafe conditions," she said.
Brigham oncology staff nurse and union member Michelle Hassler said that the strike is "very likely" to happen. She suggested that patients reschedule less important appointments, like annual check-ups, during the strike. However, she said that more serious appointments, like dialysis and cancer treatment, should still be made.
Brigham and Women's Hospital said it takes the union's decision to strike "seriously," and "is fully prepared to continue providing safe, high-quality care throughout a work stoppage." That includes bringing in agency nurses.
The hospital also said that patients should still go to "scheduled appointments unless they hear directly from their care team."
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.