Brigham and Women's Hospital nursing union update

Statement of Brigham and Women's Hospital

"On Sunday, Nov. 1, we received notice from the MNA of an open-ended strike beginning Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 a.m. While we had hoped to avoid another strike, we are prepared to continue providing safe, high-quality care throughout any work stoppage, building on our experience and extensive contingency planning.

We deeply value and respect our Brigham nurses and remain committed to reaching a fair and responsible agreement. Our latest offer provides market-leading compensation and competitive benefits while recognizing our responsibility to our patients, our entire workforce and the long-term financial sustainability of Brigham and Women's Hospital.

The remaining issues at the bargaining table relate to compensation and benefits, including wages and health insurance. No patient or workplace safety proposals remain unresolved. Negotiations with the MNA are scheduled to resume Monday, Nov. 9."

Please see the below additional information:

The hospital's most recent offer, presented on Oct. 10, provides increases to base wages rather than bonuses. Based on priorities shared by the MNA bargaining committee during the Oct. 10 session, the hospital revised its approach to add a new 2.5% top step in each year of the proposed contract for nurses at the top of all scales, while preserving the existing step scale with 5% increases for nurses on steps. The new top steps would take effect in the first pay period after ratification and the first pay period after Sept. 30, 2027.

The offer builds on the hospital's nearly $750 million annual investment in nursing compensation and benefits and balances investing in nursing, maintaining financial sustainability, and continuing to invest in other employees and the hospital's mission.

The proposed contract would take effect upon ratification and end Sept. 30, 2028. MNA members voted against ratifying the Oct. 10 offer; its provisions remain proposed rather than implemented terms.

The hospital presented the Oct. 10 offer after 27 negotiating sessions over 11 months, including an 11-hour session on Oct. 8 and a 13-hour session on Oct. 10. Negotiations are scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, and an update will be shared following the session.

Other offer provisions include unchanged premium contribution percentages for current nurses in the post-tax medical plan; a 2.5% contribution only for nurses hired after ratification into 40-hour roles who elect individual post-tax coverage; posting 20 additional 36-hour Float Pool positions within 60 days after ratification; and a professional development reimbursement fund increased to $1 million per fiscal year. The offer also includes higher differentials and on-call pay, education and certification support, cancellation notice and payment provisions, vacation flexibility, less acute charge nurse and NIC assignments consistent with unit needs and available resources, and a one-time benefit time election during fall 2027 open enrollment.