Undeterred by Shutdown, Dana-Farber Nurses Continue Unionization Efforts for Better Patient Care

Unionizing for a Stronger Voice: Nurses at Dana-Farber

Amid the challenges posed by the recent federal government shutdown, nurses at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Milford, Massachusetts, are steadfast in their commitment to unionizing. This initiative aims to enhance patient care, improve staffing levels, and ensure safer working conditions, despite facing obstacles such as the closure of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

The Situation at Dana-Farber

The government shutdown has temporarily closed NLRB offices, subsequently delaying the unionization efforts of 34 registered nurses working at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center. On October 1, 2025, these dedicated professionals aimed to file for an election that would grant them the right to join the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). Unfortunately, their request has been hindered by DFCI’s refusal to voluntarily recognize the union, even as a significant number of nurses have expressed their desire to organize by signing union cards.

The nurses at DFCI are determined to establish a legally protected voice in advocating for safe staffing levels, appropriate patient care conditions, and fair workplace practices. Furthermore, they seek protection against potential retaliation and demand a significant say in decisions that significantly affect their patients' well-being and their professional practice.

The Fight for Unionization

Even in the face of governmental and institutional hurdles, the nurses remain undeterred. They are committed to filing their election request as soon as the NLRB reopens. The unionization movement reflects a broader trend in Massachusetts, where healthcare professionals across the state have sought the MNA’s support amidst rising challenges in the healthcare sector.

Successful unionization could see the DFCI Milford nurses join alongside 800 other nurses already represented by the MNA in Boston. Additionally, 37 nurses at Dana-Farber’s Merrimack Valley branch have successfully ratified their first MNA contract as of January 2024, while ongoing negotiations are in place for the 31 nurses at Dana-Farber Foxborough.

A Growing Movement

In recent years, a wave of unionization has swept through the healthcare community in Massachusetts. From the Berkshires to Boston, numerous nurses and healthcare professionals are increasingly seeking the MNA’s support as a response to staff shortages and corporate practices that compromise patient care. This collective push highlights a significant effort by caregivers to secure a robust presence in workplace decisions that affect their practice and their patients’ health.

This surge in unionization underscores the resolve of healthcare professionals determined to safeguard both their rights and the quality of patient care. By standing united, the nurses at Dana-Farber are rejecting corporate-driven management practices that have contributed to staff shortages and have challenged the sustainability of healthcare services across the state.

Conclusion

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses and healthcare professionals in Massachusetts, boasting a membership of 26,000 that reinforces clinical practice standards while advocating for nurses’ economic and overall well-being. As Dana-Farber nurses navigate these turbulent times, their unyielding resolve serves as a beacon of hope for their colleagues and patients alike, emphasizing the essential role of unions in healthcare advocacy.