MGB Home Care Clinicians Rally to Mark End of Seven-Day Strike
Approximately 450 Mass General Brigham Home Care clinicians concluded their seven-day strike with a public rally Tuesday, July 14, outside the healthcare system's headquarters in Somerville.
About 450 Mass General Brigham (MGB) Home Care clinicians, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), are holding a public rally Tuesday, July 14, at 2 p.m. outside the company's headquarters in Somerville to mark the end of a seven-day strike.
The clinicians, which include registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and dietitians, have been in contract negotiations for over a year for their first contract with the MNA. Their demands center on establishing safe caseloads, clear productivity standards, and competitive wages to aid recruitment and retention.
MGB Home Care clinicians provide complex, hospital-level care to patients in their homes. This includes wound care, IV medications, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation services. They also assess home environments, medication management, and nutritional needs, which are critical for patients recovering outside a hospital setting.
According to the clinicians, manageable caseloads and reasonable productivity expectations are essential for preventing burnout, improving staff retention, and ensuring patients receive adequate care. The strike officially ends at 7:59 a.m. on July 15.
Nurses from Brigham and Women's Hospital, who returned to patient care on Monday morning, are expected to join the home care clinicians at the rally, alongside elected officials, labor leaders, and community supporters.