Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute's APPs Push for Unionization Amid Leadership's Rejection

Advanced Practice Providers at Mass General Brigham Join Forces for Union Representation

On January 29, 2026, a significant majority of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) working at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute (MGBCI) took a decisive step toward union representation by filing a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This action follows an unsuccessful attempt to secure voluntary union recognition from the institute's leadership, spotlighting a growing movement among healthcare professionals advocating for their rights and workplace conditions.

The Call for Change

The APPs, comprised largely of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants, represent nearly 200 professionals at MGBCI who are determined to enhance their work environment and patient care standards through collective bargaining. In a letter addressed to Dr. David Ryan, president of MGBCI, the APPs expressed their commitment to patient care and the mission of the institute while emphasizing the need for a unified voice in staffing models, compensation, and practice standards.

Despite the clear majority of the APPs—who have signed authorization cards supporting the move—MGBCI leadership declined the opportunity for voluntary recognition, which led to this formal filing with the NLRB. The APPs had initially requested a neutral third-party card check to confirm their majority support but did not receive a response from institute leadership.

A Unified Voice for Healthcare Providers

In their communication to leadership, the APPs articulated their intent to work collaboratively with management. “By forming a union, we aim to partner constructively with leadership to raise concerns, share expertise, and collaboratively develop solutions grounded in frontline experience,” they stated. This powerful assertion underscores the APPs' belief that sustainable staffing models are critical for maintaining the quality of care within the institute.

The need for a unionized structure reflects broader trends within healthcare, where professionals are increasingly organizing to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Neighboring Institutions Join the Movement

The push for unionization at MGBCI is part of a larger trend seen across the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. Many nurses and healthcare professionals at various facilities, including Brigham and Women's Hospital and North Shore Medical Center, have already unionized and leverage the advantages that come with collective bargaining. This movement is indicative of the wider healthcare environment in Massachusetts, where the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) represents over 26,000 members across the state.

JOINING MNA strengthens the voices of healthcare providers advocating for equity in compensation and fair working conditions. The MNA is notable for representing nurses in more than 70% of acute care hospitals in Massachusetts, making it a powerful force in healthcare advocacy.

Now, with the APPs at MGBCI seeking membership in the MNA, they join thousands of healthcare professionals striving for improved working conditions and patient care standards.

Next Steps

Following the petition, the NLRB will set the election logistics and timing, an important next step for the APPs. This union election could empower them to negotiate for better conditions that align with the complexities of modern patient needs and the realities of clinical practice.

As this situation unfolds, it will be crucial for MGBCI leadership to recognize the advantages of collaborating with the APPs as they form their union, creating a structure that ultimately benefits both healthcare providers and the patients they serve. Ensuring quality patient care through proper staffing and fair compensation should remain a shared goal among all stakeholders in this high-stakes environment.

With the healthcare landscape constantly evolving, the movement for union representation by APPs signals a pivotal moment for not only MGBCI but the entire healthcare community, emphasizing the need for collaboration and equitable treatment within the industry.