Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses authorize open-ended strike

Approximately 4,000 registered nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston have voted overwhelmingly to authorize an open-ended strike. According to the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), 93% of nurses—totaling 2,986 in favor and 215 opposed—supported the action, marking what the MNA describes as the largest strike authorization of its kind in state history.

The strike authorization comes amid a stalemate in contract negotiations with Mass General Brigham (MGB). Nurses are seeking a contract that includes cost-of-living wage increases, affordable health insurance with plan choice, and limits on the hospital's use of temporary replacement nurses to protect patient care.

While no strike date has been set, nurses are legally required to provide 10 days’ notice before walking off the job. If the strike occurs, it will continue until a contract agreement is reached. MGB has stated that nurses receive annual 5% raises via a 20-step wage scale and has proposed a new 2.5% increase for nurses at the top step.