Stalemate at State House as Historic Healthcare Strike Looms

The meeting followed the final round of bargaining sessions last week, where both sides failed to bridge the divide. MNA representatives, representing 4,000 Brigham nurses and 450 MGB Home Care clinicians, stated they are prepared to negotiate through the night Tuesday to prevent a work stoppage. According to the union, MGB remains firm on a 0% wage increase offer and has refused to address concerns regarding health insurance and temporary staffing levels.

Kelly Morgan, chair of the Brigham MNA Bargaining Committee, described the current MGB proposal as disrespectful given the challenging conditions nurses face. Shannon Viera, representing the MGB Home Care clinicians, echoed this sentiment, noting that while the union appreciates the Governor’s mediation, the lack of flexibility from management makes a seven-day strike starting July 8 appear inevitable. Picket lines are scheduled to form at 7 a.m. at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and at 8 a.m. at the Braintree Hill Office Park.