Unionized nurses at Boston Medical Center Brighton have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a three-day strike in response to contract negotiations that they argue jeopardize essential staffing and benefits. The vote, which saw an overwhelming 97% approval from the 650 members of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), reflects deep concerns among the nursing staff regarding management’s proposals.
“We have made it clear to BMC management that our members cannot and will not accept any contract that includes a reduction in our current staffing levels or the loss of our benefits,” said Kate Cashman, a nurse at BMC and co-chair of the MNA committee. She emphasized that these benefits are crucial for retaining and recruiting the staff necessary to fulfill the hospital’s mission. Cashman added that the current situation adds insult to the sacrifices made by nurses during the challenges posed by the Steward Health Care crisis.
The authorization for a strike allows the bargaining committee to schedule action at any time, although the union must legally provide 10 days’ notice before a strike can take place. This vote comes during the nurses’ first contract negotiation since BMC acquired the facility, previously known as St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, from Steward Health Care, which faced bankruptcy and closed or sold nine hospitals in Massachusetts.
According to the MNA, BMC received over $760 million from the state to support operations after the acquisition. Despite this funding, the nurses allege that management is attempting to undermine critical staffing and benefits during negotiations. Initial discussions commenced on September 10, 2023, and have included six sessions, two of which involved a federal mediator.
As negotiations continue, the MNA has highlighted several concerning proposals from BMC management. These include eliminating charge nurses without assignment, removing pension options for non-enrolled nurses, cutting vacation and sick time benefits, and increasing health insurance costs. The hospital management has also proposed a 0% salary increase for the next three years, aside from a 1% raise annually for nurses at the top of the hospital’s 19-step wage scale. The MNA claims that such proposals could lead to a significant reduction in earnings for many nurses, amounting to thousands of dollars each year.
The strike vote coincides with a broader movement among healthcare professionals at the hospital. Recently, 100 non-registered nurses also voted to join the union and are currently negotiating their first contract.
In a letter addressed to the hospital’s CEO, signed by 80% of the nurses, the staff expressed their experiences of hardship during the transition from St. Elizabeth’s to BMC-Brighton. They cited mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis as significant challenges. The letter affirmed their commitment to advocating for affordable health insurance, competitive wages, and the protection of benefits.
“We will make this the best hospital it can be to practice our professions and to heal our community,” the nurses stated, reinforcing their collective resolve. The next bargaining session is scheduled for January 5, 2024, marking a critical point in negotiations as both sides seek to resolve the ongoing dispute.
