Baystate Franklin Nurses Secure Tentative Agreement, Enhancing Patient Care and Safety for Their Community
On September 28, 2026, nurses at Baystate Franklin Medical Center (BFMC) celebrated a major accomplishment by coming to a tentative agreement with Baystate Health that addressed several of their pressing concerns. Represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), these registered nurses exhibited remarkable unity and perseverance leading up to this negotiation, especially as they prepared to issue a notice for a potential strike.
Suzanne Love, an Emergency Department nurse and Co-Chair of the MNA Bargaining Committee, remarked, "This is an enormous victory for patients, nurses, and the Franklin County community. We stayed united and persisted over several months of a coordinated community campaign because our patients need safe staffing." The imminent threat of a strike clearly motivated Baystate to engage seriously in negotiations, leading to a resolution that was favorable for both the nursing staff and the patients they serve.
A few highlights of the tentative agreement include:
This agreement follows a series of organized efforts by BFMC nurses. Earlier this year, they voted overwhelmingly (98.2%) to authorize a potential strike, indicating widespread support for taking action if necessary. Additionally, a significant 98% voted to reject Baystate's final offer in June, illustrating the commitment of the nurses to fight for their rights and the safety of their patients.
The support from the community has been instrumental in this fight. Over 700 local residents signed a petition endorsing the nurses’ efforts, and the Greenfield City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting their pursuit of a fair contract that ensures safe patient care. The campaign garnered backing from various unions and elected officials, showcasing a broad coalition advocating for these vital health professionals.
As Marissa Potter, another nurse and Co-Chair of the MNA Bargaining Committee, stated, "Baystate Franklin nurses came together to make this agreement possible through our solidarity and the support of our community. We are incredibly proud to have stood up and fought when safe patient care was on the line."
The ratification vote for this tentative agreement will take place in the coming days, as BFMC nurses prepare to make their voices heard once again.
Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association represents the largest union of registered nurses in Massachusetts, with over 26,000 members. The MNA is dedicated to advancing the nursing profession and advocating for high practice standards and the welfare of nurses in their workplace. By lobbying legislatures and regulatory bodies, they aim to influence healthcare policies that affect both the nursing profession and public health.
For more information about the Massachusetts Nurses Association, visit their website or follow them on social media.
Suzanne Love, an Emergency Department nurse and Co-Chair of the MNA Bargaining Committee, remarked, "This is an enormous victory for patients, nurses, and the Franklin County community. We stayed united and persisted over several months of a coordinated community campaign because our patients need safe staffing." The imminent threat of a strike clearly motivated Baystate to engage seriously in negotiations, leading to a resolution that was favorable for both the nursing staff and the patients they serve.
A few highlights of the tentative agreement include:
- - Staffing Improvements: A commitment to provide additional staffing in the Emergency Department and Mental Health Unit—a response to rising concerns regarding patient safety in these critical areas.
- - Health Insurance Protections: New contractual safeguards focusing on the affordability of health insurance, ensuring that nurses can access the healthcare they provide to others.
- - Compensation for On-Call Duties: Surgical services nurses who are required to be on call for emergencies will receive compensation, acknowledging the demands of their roles.
- - Enhanced Staffing Language: Strengthened language surrounding staffing levels in medical-surgical units, which is designed to improve overall care quality.
- - Competitive Salaries: Nurses will receive an average pay increase of 6.2% in the first year of the contract, totaling a 13% raise by the agreement’s expiration on December 31, 2028. This increase aims to support nurse recruitment and retention, which is essential for maintaining high standards of patient care.
This agreement follows a series of organized efforts by BFMC nurses. Earlier this year, they voted overwhelmingly (98.2%) to authorize a potential strike, indicating widespread support for taking action if necessary. Additionally, a significant 98% voted to reject Baystate's final offer in June, illustrating the commitment of the nurses to fight for their rights and the safety of their patients.
The support from the community has been instrumental in this fight. Over 700 local residents signed a petition endorsing the nurses’ efforts, and the Greenfield City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting their pursuit of a fair contract that ensures safe patient care. The campaign garnered backing from various unions and elected officials, showcasing a broad coalition advocating for these vital health professionals.
As Marissa Potter, another nurse and Co-Chair of the MNA Bargaining Committee, stated, "Baystate Franklin nurses came together to make this agreement possible through our solidarity and the support of our community. We are incredibly proud to have stood up and fought when safe patient care was on the line."
The ratification vote for this tentative agreement will take place in the coming days, as BFMC nurses prepare to make their voices heard once again.
Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association represents the largest union of registered nurses in Massachusetts, with over 26,000 members. The MNA is dedicated to advancing the nursing profession and advocating for high practice standards and the welfare of nurses in their workplace. By lobbying legislatures and regulatory bodies, they aim to influence healthcare policies that affect both the nursing profession and public health.
For more information about the Massachusetts Nurses Association, visit their website or follow them on social media.
Topics Health）
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