Brigham Nurses Secure Historic Contract Confirmation, Enhancing Patient and Nurse Welfare

Brigham Nurses Achieve Tentative Contract Agreement

In a significant development for healthcare in Boston, over 4,000 registered nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) have successfully negotiated a tentative contract with Mass General Brigham (MGB). This agreement, reached on November 11, 2026, comes just hours before a planned open-ended strike scheduled for November 12, marking a pivotal moment for nurses and patients alike.

The new contract addresses critical issues prioritized by the nurses, notably enhancing patient care quality, maintaining affordable health insurance, and securing competitive wages necessary to recruit and retain a stable nursing workforce. The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), which represents the nurses, demonstrated remarkable solidarity throughout a lengthy negotiation process, which had included previous strikes and community support.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

The tentative agreement outlines several important aspects:

1. Enhancement of Patient Care: The contract includes provisions to limit the hospital's use of temporary nurses and floating assignments, enabling nurses to work more consistently with familiar patients and environments. This reduction in unfamiliar floating not only fosters better care but also helps nurses maintain their areas of expertise.

2. Wage Improvements: Starting November 15, 2026, the agreement introduces a new pay step above the current scale, ensuring that nurses receive fair compensation for their critical work. Additionally, nurses currently below this step will receive a bonus based on their full-time equivalent (FTE) hours.

3. Healthcare Costs Alleviation: The nurses successfully negotiated against proposed increases in health insurance premiums, maintaining premium-free coverage for current nurses while introducing modest contributions for newly hired staff. This ensures ongoing access to affordable healthcare for nurses and their families.

4. Support for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): The agreement mandates the provision of dedicated practice management time for APRNs, enabling them to complete essential work without added pressure, thereby enhancing their efficiency and job satisfaction.

5. Support from the Community: Throughout the negotiation process, BWH nurses expressed their gratitude for the extensive backing received from the community, fellow healthcare professionals, and supporters at various rallies. This solidarity played a crucial role in sustaining the nurses during challenging negotiations and in pushing for an agreement that prioritizes patient safety and fair working conditions.

A Victory for Both Nurses and Patients

Kelly Morgan, RN and Chair of the BWH MNA Bargaining Committee, emphasized her pride in the nurses for their resilience and dedication to advocating for quality patient care. “With the support of countless community members, we have protected not just our patients but the very future of union nursing care at Brigham,” Morgan stated.

Jim McCarthy, RN and Vice Chair of the BWH MNA Bargaining Committee, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the daily commitment of Brigham nurses to provide exceptional care under demanding circumstances.

This tentative contract marks an important step not only for the nurses involved but also for the broader community that relies on their expertise and care. It signals a forward movement in labor relations within healthcare, emphasizing the necessity of fair working conditions for those dedicated to the well-being of their patients.

As the nurses prepare to vote on ratification, the momentum of solidarity built through this process signifies a hopeful future for both Brigham nurses and their patients. With community and union support behind them, the Brigham nurses stand ready to continue their vital work in providing quality healthcare in a supportive and equitable environment.

For further updates and information, you can follow the Massachusetts Nurses Association on their social media platforms and stay connected with ongoing developments in this significant narrative.