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MNA Nurses Secure Agreement at Newton-Wellesley Hospital

In a significant move for healthcare workers and patients alike, about 1,500 registered nurses at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), reached a tentative contract agreement on December 17. This outcome follows a demonstration campaign that included an informational picket and a vote authorizing a potential one-day strike, aimed at advocating for nurse respect and improved patient safety.

Nora Watts, an RN at Newton-Wellesley and co-chair of the MNA bargaining committee, expressed pride in the nurses' determination and the result achieved through collective advocacy. "This tentative agreement reflects the strength of MNA nurses united for our patients and our profession," she said, highlighting the significant investment made by the hospital and Mass General Brigham in support of nursing staff and patient care.

Throughout the negotiations, the nurses focused on urging the hospital to recognize the complexity and demands of patient care in a challenging healthcare environment. Kathy Reda, another RN and co-chair of the MNA bargaining committee, noted, "The move to increase health insurance costs raised serious concerns among nurses, propelling us to authorize a strike, which ultimately led to an effective agreement that addresses our needs."

Key Highlights of the Tentative Agreement

The new contract, set to run from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027, includes crucial aspects that aim to improve working conditions and patient care:
1. Wage Increases: A notable 15.5% wage increase across the board for nurses over three years will be implemented, with retroactive pay dating back to April 1, 2024, along with a heightened top step wage of $100 per hour, effective January 1, 2026.
2. Health Insurance Costs: Negotiated revisions aim to reduce premium costs for nurses undergoing a transition to MGB's insurance plans, with stipends provided for those affected by increased medical insurance costs.
3. Workplace Safety: Enhanced measures against workplace violence have been established. This will allow nurses to play an active role in making the hospital environment safer for both patients and staff, alongside providing post-crisis support for nurses.
4. Additional Benefits: There will be increases in shift differentials, weekend bonuses, on-call rates, and reimbursement provisions. Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be reimbursed for nurse practitioners as well.
5. New Representations: The agreement successfully brings off-site ambulatory nurses and nurse practitioners into the MNA NWH bargaining unit, expanding representation.
6. Expanded Bereavement Policy: The bereavement policy now includes nieces and nephews among the family members eligible for leave.

The Road Ahead

The agreement requires approval from the entire MNA membership at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, marking a critical next step. For the MNA, which has a rich history since its founding in 1903 and is the largest union for registered nurses in Massachusetts, this negotiation demonstrates their commitment to advancing nurses' interests while ensuring high-quality patient care. The association's 25,000 members are dedicated to elevating nursing standards and advocating for issues affecting nurses and healthcare delivery.

The tentative agreement thus stands as a beacon of hope not only for the nurses at Newton-Wellesley Hospital but also for other healthcare professionals facing similar challenges across the country.