Nurses from Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals Protest for Better Wages and Staffing Conditions

Nurses at NEHC Rally for Quality Patient Care

On March 26, hundreds of registered nurses (RNs) at Northeast Hospital Corporation (NEHC) will gather for an informational picket outside Beverly Hospital. This event is aimed at drawing attention to the significant challenges nurses are facing in their ongoing negotiations with hospital management. The nurses, over 750 in total, are part of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) and are committed to advocating for better patient care conditions, staffing levels, and wages.

The Need for Change

The primary motivation behind the picket stems from the urgent desire to attract and retain qualified nursing staff. According to Larn Beard, RN and co-chair of the MNA union at NEHC, “We’re completely united for a fair contract that guarantees our units are safely staffed and our patients receive the quality care they deserve.” This sentiment echoes the concerns many nurses have regarding current staffing levels, which they argue are insufficient to provide necessary patient care.

The issue of low staffing is intertwined with wage disparities that have seen many nurses leaving NEHC for better-paying positions in other hospitals. The nurses have reported that competition for qualified staff has become increasingly fierce, especially in the hospitals to the north and east of Boston, where wage agreements have improved significantly compared to those at NEHC.

Ongoing Negotiations

Despite seven previous negotiation sessions between NEHC management and MNA representatives, progress has been slow. Nurses argue that without addressing wage competitiveness and staffing adequacy, the quality of care they can provide will continue to decline. The MNA nurses are advocating for language in their new contract that would ensure safe staffing levels, allowing them to offer the quality care patients need and deserve.

“We return to the bargaining table on April 1,” said Sue Hall, RN and co-chairperson of the bargaining committee. “And we expect the solidarity on display at this informational picket will move the needle in these contract talks.” This determination reflects the nurses’ commitment to improving their working conditions and the care they provide.

An Invitation for Support

The picket will take place on March 26 from 4 to 6 PM at Beverly Hospital, located at 85 Herrick Street. Community members, families, other local unions, and elected leaders are encouraged to attend and show their support for the nurses and the patients they serve. The MNA believes that public visibility is crucial in garnering attention for their plight, and they are looking to the community to stand in solidarity with them.

As negotiations continue, the focus remains on establishing a fair contract that not only elevates the financial conditions for nurses but also ensures that the patients at Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals receive safe and high-quality care. With collective action, the nurses hope to push management towards addressing the critical issues at hand.

Conclusion

The situation at NEHC exemplifies broader challenges faced by hospitals nationwide in recruiting and retaining nursing staff while ensuring quality patient care. The MNA nurses are not just fighting for their own rights; they are advocating for the wellbeing of their patients, demonstrating a dedication that underscores the importance of the nursing profession in our healthcare system.