Nurses Association Files Federal Charge Against Hospital Over Strike Incident

The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) has filed a federal unfair labor practice charge against Brigham and Women's Hospital, alleging that hospital management illegally prevented neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses from joining colleagues at the start of a major strike on July 8, 2026.

The charge states that after the strike commenced at 7:00 a.m., hospital management refused to allow NICU nurses to leave their posts, citing concerns for patient safety. This action by the hospital is seen by the union as reinforcing criticisms raised throughout contract negotiations regarding patient care continuity.

Union representatives argue that the hospital's own decisions, including the use of temporary replacement nurses during a subsequent lockout, created potential risks. "The hospital cannot deny nurses their legal right to strike and then justify it by claiming patient safety concerns of its own making," said Kelly Morgan, RN, Chair of the Brigham MNA Bargaining Committee.

The filing comes in the wake of a significant nurses' strike and lockout at the hospital. The MNA is continuing to press for contract provisions that limit the hospital's reliance on temporary nurses, asserting that experienced, permanent staff are essential for patient care. The hospital has reportedly refused to negotiate on these specific issues.