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Brigham and Women's Hospital Nurses Prepare for a Historic Strike

In an unprecedented move, 4,000 nurses from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) are gearing up to commence what could be the largest open-ended nurse strike in Massachusetts history on October 14, 2026. The nurses, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), have taken this step in response to the refusal of Mass General Brigham (MGB) to negotiate a fair contract that ensures patient safety, strengthens the nursing workforce, and maintains affordable health insurance for both nurses and their families.

This crucial strike comes after the hospital system reported over $2.3 billion in profits, signaling financial stability that the nurses argue should allow for better compensation and contract negotiations. The MNA filed the necessary 10-day notice for the impending strike on October 2, expressing their determination not to back down until a fair agreement is made. The decision to strike is rooted in serious concerns raised by the nurses about the working conditions and patient care standards at BWH.

Kelly Morgan, an RN and Chair of the BWH MNA Bargaining Committee, stated, "We have repeatedly tried to get MGB to negotiate and avoid a second strike, but the billionaires who run MGB have shut the door on us. There is still time to reach an agreement that protects patient care and respects nurses. MGB needs to come back to the table and negotiate without preconditions." The nurses had previously voted overwhelmingly in support of the strike authorization, which recorded 2,986 votes in favor and only 215 against, marking a significant stance among the healthcare professionals.

The nurses' grievances are not new—they have lodged multiple Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strikes against the hospital since July, citing illegal actions such as preventing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses from participating in the strike and retaliatory scheduling practices aimed at silencing dissent. The ongoing tension between BWH nurses and hospital management highlights a growing rift in the healthcare profession concerning labor rights and adequate patient care.

The nurses are advocating for:
1. A robust permanent nursing workforce: They seek to limit reliance on temporary staff, which is critical for continuity and quality of patient care.
2. Affordable health insurance: Current proposals from MGB would increase costs for nurses significantly, while they demand a package that is manageable for all employees.
3. Fair compensation: The nurses are pushing for meaningful wage increases that keep pace with surging living costs in Massachusetts.

Evidently, economic indicators from the MassINC Policy Center report that maintaining a middle-class lifestyle in the state has become nearly 50% more expensive from 2020 to 2024, with persistent inflation exacerbating these challenges.

Despite management's claims that negotiations would proceed under specific preconditions, notably a proposed multi-year pay freeze, the nurses maintain that they are willing to negotiate with the aim of reaching a fair, mutually beneficial agreement. As Jim McCarthy, RN and Vice Chair of the BWH MNA Bargaining Committee, emphasized, "A hospital system with billions in profits can invest in permanent nurses, affordable insurance, and wages that keep up with the cost of living. We are ready to negotiate but are prepared to strike if MGB continues to refuse to bargain."

The financial stability of MGB—which reported $22.8 billion in operating revenue and $2.39 billion in profits during the last fiscal year—contrasts sharply with the demands of the nurses. Moreover, the compensation for MGB's CEO reached nearly $9.2 million, raising questions about the priorities of the hospital system when faced with such wealth.

As the negotiation deadline approaches, the pressure mounts on MGB to come to the bargaining table and take the concerns of the nurses seriously. The outcome of this impending strike not only holds significant implications for hospital staff but could also affect the quality of patient care at one of Massachusetts’ premier healthcare facilities. The Massachusetts Nurses Association continues to encourage public support for the nurses' cause while pushing for a resolution that prioritizes the health and well-being of patients across the state.

To learn more about their efforts, visit MassNurses.org.