Mass General Brigham Nurses Unite to Form Union in Big Vote for Patient Advocacy

In a landmark decision, the registered nurses and nurse practitioners of the Mass General Brigham Occupational Health Services (MGB/OHS) have made a significant stride in their professional rights. With an overwhelming 91% vote in favor, these healthcare heroes are now officially members of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). This new union not only strengthens their collective voice but also sets the groundwork for advocating essential changes aimed at enhancing patient care and workplace conditions.

The Unifying Vote

On March 28, 2025, it was confirmed that all 24 eligible nurses and nurse practitioners participated in the ballot, which was conducted via mail under the supervision of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The voting period commenced on March 5, culminating in a robust display of unity among the healthcare professionals. Their decisive action came in the face of efforts from Mass General Brigham to impede the election process, reinforcing their resolve to empower themselves in the healthcare system.

The newly formed union aims to give its members a platform to advocate for improvements in various aspects of their work environment. In their mission statement, they expressed their commitment to fair compensation, respect, safety, manageable workloads, ample resources, and a transparent decision-making process. "We are united in our belief that we deserve to be valued and respected for the vital occupational health care we provide to all MGB employees," they stated, underscoring their dedication and resolve.

Creating a Sustainable Workplace

The effort to unionize marks a pivotal moment for these healthcare workers who passionately care for their peers. Their unification was driven by dissatisfaction over working conditions and the necessity for a unified approach to improving healthcare quality within Mass General Brigham. The MNA represents a large collective of nurses throughout Massachusetts, representing over 25,000 members, and is recognized for advocating for nurses' rights and patient care across more than 70% of acute care hospitals in the Commonwealth.

After the successful election, the next phase involves setting up local union structures, electing their leader and bargaining committee, along with crafting proposals for negotiations on their first labor contract. This collaborative framework is expected to pave the way for a sustainable and fair working environment, necessary for providing exemplary care to patients.

The Role of the MNA

The Massachusetts Nurses Association, founded in 1903, has long been at the forefront of champions for nurses. Their role as advocates extends beyond labor rights; they lobby for legislative changes that enhance healthcare standards and address healthcare disparities. The new union includes not only nurses but nurse practitioners who provide critical health services within a variety of settings, reflecting a commitment to high-quality occupational health services.

With the nurses and nurse practitioners of the MGB/OHS joining forces, they stand to amplify their voice in negotiations, amplifying priorities that affect not only themselves but the patients they serve. The MNA provides an established network that can help them navigate the often turbulent waters of healthcare administration challenges.

Looking Forward

For the nurses and nurse practitioners of Mass General Brigham Occupational Health Services, this union represents not just a vote, but a powerful message to the administration that they are ready to advocate for their rights and the rights of their patients. The fallout from this historic vote may ripple throughout the healthcare system in Massachusetts, inspiring other workers to pursue unionization for collective bargaining power and improved working conditions.

As the conversations around healthcare continue to evolve, one thing is clear: the frontline nurses and nurse practitioners are standing strong together to ensure not just their rights, but ultimately the rights of every patient they encounter in their vital roles.

As this collective effort continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the MGB/OHS nurses and their journey toward achieving equitable, respected, and safe working conditions for all healthcare professionals.