Dana-Farber Nurses to Organize Picket at Gillette Stadium for Equal Pay

Dana-Farber Nurses to Picket for Fair Pay

On the evening of November 13, nurse members of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) Foxborough facility are set to stage an informational picket outside Gillette Stadium. This demonstration will coincide with the highly anticipated NFL game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. The event is scheduled to take place from 5 PM to 6:30 PM, just before the game kicks off at 8:15 PM.

Represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), these nurses are raising their voices against a significant pay disparity that exists within their organization. They argue that the wages offered to DFCI Foxborough nurses significantly lag behind those earned by their colleagues at Mass General Brigham (MGB), even though they perform identical roles and responsibilities within the same building.

Call for Pay Equity

In a letter addressed to Josh Bekenstein, Chair of Dana-Farber's Board of Trustees, the Foxborough nurses declared a unified demand for increased pay, a request supported by 100% of their nursing staff. The letter highlighted the stark contrast in compensation that not only affects job satisfaction but also hinders recruitment and retention of skilled nurses.

Catherine Hulme, a registered nurse at DFCI Foxborough and Co-Chair of the MNA Committee, emphasized, "Nurses at Foxborough deliver the same exceptional, lifesaving care that patients expect from Dana-Farber anywhere in Massachusetts. Yet Dana-Farber wants to pay us far less than MGB nurses working in the same building. We are simply asking for a level playing field."

DFCI Foxborough nurses pride themselves on their expertise in oncology, managing complex chemotherapy regimens, conducting patient education for every drug administered, and maintaining a higher nurse-to-patient ratio than their counterparts in Boston. They argue that the substantial pay gap they face is disrespectful and detrimental to the care they deliver.

Nicole Maguire, another DFCI Foxborough nurse and Secretary of the MNA Committee, stated, "Our patients deserve nurses who are valued and treated with respect by Dana-Farber. The institution claims to offer equal care across all campuses, including Foxborough, yet they do not value us equally. Together, we will advocate for the needs of both patients and nurses."

Demonstrating for Equal Opportunities

During the picket, the nurses plan to leverage the high profile of the game to bring attention to their cause. They hope to raise awareness about the importance of fair compensation in attracting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals. The event serves as a reminder that the dedication of healthcare providers should be matched with equitable pay, ensuring high-quality patient care.

In addition to protesting near the stadium, the picketing nurses will be highlighting their crucial roles at DFCI, including involvement in treatment trials and cross-training that enables them to execute vital functions that are often reserved for specialized staff at other institutions. They are calling for Dana-Farber to recognize their contributions and adjust compensation accordingly.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts within the nursing profession to advocate for fair and equitable practices across healthcare facilities, particularly for those specializing in oncology care. With the looming need for skilled nursing professionals in the sector, it's clear that competitive wages play a crucial role in shaping the future of patient care delivery in Massachusetts and beyond.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association, which has been representative of nursing professionals in the Commonwealth since 1903, continues to stand firmly behind its members’ demands for fair labor practices. As more healthcare institutions face scrutiny over compensation and working conditions, the dedication displayed by the Dana-Farber nurses on November 13 serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about healthcare needs and workforce agreements across the Commonwealth.