Brigham and Women's Hospital Nurse Union Updates

Brigham and Women’s Hospital: Patient and visitor information for an indefinite strike

• The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), the union that represents Brigham and Women’s Hospital nurses, has informed the hospital of their intent to begin an indefinite strike starting Thursday, November 12 at 7 a.m.
• Please know that your care and safety remain our highest priority.
• We have comprehensive plans in place and are prepared.
• We will keep you informed if there are any updates that may affect your care.
• The strike is at Brigham and Women's Hospital and NOT at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital or other Mass General Brigham sites.
• Everyone at the hospital, including our nurses, is focused on providing you and your loved ones with safe, high-quality care.

FAQ

Will there definitely be a strike?

Only the union can decide whether to strike. We have made emergency plans to keep care safe and high-quality during the planned strike starting Thursday, November 12. Skilled, experienced nurses will fill in during the strike, joining our existing care teams. Many of these nurses work at academic medical centers across the country. They will receive orientation before their first shift.

How long will the strike be?

The MNA has given notice of an indefinite strike. This means there is no set end date. Nurses in the bargaining unit cannot work during the strike. They can only return to work after both sides agree on a return-to-work plan and timing.

What is the status of nursing contract negotiations?

We deeply value and respect our Brigham nurses and remain committed to reaching a fair and responsible agreement. We have negotiated extensively and in good faith for nearly a year, moving significantly from our original positions. The hospital’s most recent offer provides increases to base wages.

Nurses currently receive a 5% yearly wage increase until they reach the top of the wage scale. Based on priorities shared by the MNA bargaining committee, the hospital revised its approach to add a new 2.5% top step on the wage scale in each year of the proposed contract, while preserving the existing 5% yearly wage increases for nurses on steps.

What does a strike mean for my upcoming appointment at Brigham and Women's Hospital?

We will be ready with plans to give safe, high-quality care, just as we did during the five-day strike in July. If your appointment changes, someone from our care team will call you. Otherwise, please come to your appointment as planned. Give yourself extra time in case of traffic near the hospital.

If an indefinite strike is scheduled, can I access care at Brigham and Women's Hospital?

Brigham and Women's Hospital will stay open and ready to care for patients during a strike. Skilled, experienced nurses will fill in and join our existing care teams.

If you have questions about your appointment, or want to reschedule, please reach out to your provider's office and we will assist you.