BOSTON (WHDH) - The nurses union at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is set to strike.
Around 2,500 nurses voted Monday night to go on strike on June 27 at 7 a.m. They would return to the hospital on July 2 at 7 a.m.
“Hospital leadership remains hopeful that a fair and reasonable contract will be reached and a 5-day strike will be avoided,” a press release said.
According to the nurses, they have been negotiating since September, but have worked the last month without a contract.
The head of the nurses union says it is not just them that they want new contracts for.
“The Brigham nurses, we’ve taken a stand today to bring back the Brigham way or nursing excellence and safe patient care and that’s why we’re here. We’re standing up for not only the nurses but for the patients,” said Trish Powers, Chairperson of Massachusetts Nurses Association Head of Union.
The nurses union has to give the hospital at least 10 days notice before they plan to strike.
The hospital has contracted approximately 700 professional nurses who have experience staffing organizations during stoppages such as strikes.
There are currently more than 130 nurses on staff who are not represented by the nurse’s union, as well as nursing management, senior leadership and other health professionals who will not participate in the strike.
In the event the strike happens, some patient appointments and procedures may be impacted and patients will be notified if a scheduled appointment needs to be changed.
BWH locations that will be impacted include the main hospital campus, as well as 850 Boylston Street, Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center and Brookside Community Health Center.
“While we are disappointed that the MNA bargaining committee has provided us notice that they intend to strike on June 27, we sincerely hope that we can reach a fair and reasonable contract and avoid a 5-day strike. However, should a strike occur, we have developed a detailed operating plan to ensure the delivery of the best care to our patients and their families. Delivering high quality, competent and safe care to our patients and their families remains the top priority of hospital leadership, nursing management and the entire BWH community,” said Ron M. Walls, chief operating officer, Brigham and Women’s Health Care.
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