Brigham Nurses Schedule Largest Open-Ended Strike in MA History
Approximately 4,000 Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) nurses are set to begin an open-ended strike on October 14, unless Mass General Brigham (MGB) agrees to a fair contract.
Some 4,000 nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) plan to initiate an open-ended strike on October 14, 2026, if Mass General Brigham (MGB) does not agree to a fair contract. The union, representing the nurses, cites the need for a contract that safeguards patient care, strengthens the permanent nursing staff, and ensures affordable health insurance.
The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) provided the hospital with the legally mandated 10-day notice on Friday, October 2. If the strike proceeds, it will continue until an agreement is reached. This is designated as an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike, following multiple ULP charges filed by the MNA against the hospital since July.
The decision to strike follows a September 24 authorization vote where 2,986 nurses voted in favor and 215 against, marking the largest such vote in Massachusetts history. This action comes as new state data reveals MGB as the most profitable hospital system in Massachusetts, reporting a total profit margin of $2.3 billion.
Negotiations between the nurses and MGB took place in July and August after an initial one-day strike and a subsequent four-day lockout. The MNA alleges that MGB refused to negotiate or present proposals, despite the nurses' willingness to compromise. The nurses are urging MGB to resume talks immediately and prevent the strike by agreeing to a fair contract.