Mass General Brigham Postpones Annual Summit After Nurse Protest Planned

Mass General Brigham (MGB) has postponed its 10th annual summit, initially set for October 7, after nurses and clinicians represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) issued a notice to picket the event. The summit was intended to focus on "Culture, Collaboration, and AI."

The planned picket was announced on September 25 and was to take place at MGB's Somerville headquarters. This action followed a strike authorization vote by Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses, where 93% voted in favor of an open-ended strike. MNA has accused MGB of refusing to negotiate fair contracts that protect patient care and staff.

This postponement comes amid ongoing labor disputes where MNA is seeking contract improvements for nurses, including limits on temporary staffing, affordable health insurance, and fair compensation. MGB Home Care clinicians are also negotiating for their first union contract, focusing on reasonable caseloads and competitive wages.

Mass General Brigham, described as the wealthiest hospital system in Massachusetts, has faced criticism from the MNA for allegedly refusing to bargain in good faith. The union stated that the postponement demonstrates the effectiveness of their organizing efforts and called on MGB to respect its workers and uphold its non-profit mission. MGB has not yet announced a new date for the postponed summit.