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MGB Home Care Clinicians Prepare for Strike Authorization Vote

On May 19, 2026, clinicians from MGB Home Care, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), are set to hold a crucial strike authorization vote. This decision comes after a series of negotiations with Mass General Brigham (MGB) aimed at securing a fair first contract that not only supports the clinicians but also ensures high-quality patient care across the region.

The voting process will take place throughout the day in various locations, concluding at 7 p.m. This vote stems from months of negotiations and public demonstrations, including an informational picket that took place outside Massachusetts General Hospital earlier this year. Approximately 450 clinicians have been involved in these negotiations, having participated in 26 bargaining sessions since commencing their efforts in March 2025.

Despite these discussions, MGB has reportedly been resistant to addressing key issues that the clinicians deem essential. These issues encompass protective measures regarding caseload management, establishing productivity standards, competitive wage structures, and creating strategies to recruit and retain experienced professionals in home care.

By passing this strike authorization vote, the bargaining committee of MGB Home Care would gain the authority to call for a strike lasting up to seven days should the negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory agreement. Importantly, this vote does not mandate that a strike will occur; it merely empowers the clinicians should circumstances necessitate such action.

Shannon Viera, an RN at MGB Home Care and the chairperson of the MNA, emphasizes the clinicians' commitment to achieving a fair agreement that allows them to continue delivering high-quality patient care. She noted, "This vote is about showing MGB that clinicians are united and serious about securing a contract that respects our work and protects patient care."

The MGB Home Care MNA bargaining unit comprises a diverse range of professionals, including registered nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and dieticians. These clinicians voted to affiliate with the MNA in June 2024.

Kara Wilson, an occupational therapist at MGB Home Care and a member of the MNA Bargaining Committee, emphasized the importance of skilled home care clinicians in managing complex medical needs outside hospital settings. She stated, "We need enforceable standards and competitive compensation so clinicians can continue delivering that care and so MGB can recruit and retain the workforce patients rely on."

Key Demands from Clinicians

Clinicians have outlined several key demands they hope to achieve through their negotiations:

1. Reasonable Caseload Limits: They seek clear and enforceable protections that allow them to safely manage patient assignments without compromising care.
2. Clear Productivity Standards: They demand transparent expectations that acknowledge the time required for delivering high-quality patient care, including coordinating services and completing necessary documentation.
3. Recruitment and Retention Protections: Here, they are looking for contract provisions that will help build and sustain a strong workforce in home care.
4. Competitive Wages: The clinicians argue for fair compensation that reflects their critical role in providing complex care to patients in their homes throughout the region.

Financial Context of MGB

Despite other hospital systems in Massachusetts reporting financial losses, MGB has seen substantial profits and improved financial standing. According to Stat News, MGB reported a $59.2 million operating gain for the year ending September 2025, a rise from the previous year's $45.7 million. These financial gains have contributed to a staggering net margin of $2.4 billion. In stark contrast, while MGB has seen remarkable profitability, MGB CEO Dr. Anne Klibanski's salary has surged, reaching $8.4 million in 2024—a 40% increase from the previous year.

Executives at MGB have collectively received nearly $819 million in total compensation from 2018 to 2023, which includes about $100 million in bonuses, raising questions about salary distribution amidst the ongoing negotiations for fair clinician contracts.

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association stands as the largest union of registered nurses in Massachusetts, advocating for high standards in nursing practice while promoting the welfare of its members and the communities they serve.