#United States #Massachusetts Nurses #Northampton #Cooley Dickinson #MGB

Nurses Secure Agreement at Cooley Dickinson Hospital

In a significant development, registered nurses at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, organized by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), have successfully reached a tentative agreement with Mass General Brigham (MGB). This crucial agreement was achieved just ahead of a planned one-day strike, which had received overwhelming support from the nursing staff, as evidenced by a striking 99% vote in favor of action.

The Importance of the Agreement

The tentative agreement signifies more than just a resolution; it represents a monumental assertion of the nurses' commitment to providing exceptional patient care. The negotiations spanned several weeks amid progressive discussions, with the aim of preserving nurses' rights and benefits while enhancing the quality of patient care at the hospital.

Rosie Tottser, a registered nurse at Cooley Dickinson and MNA Committee Co-Chair, emphasized the agreement's reflection of nurses' dedication, stating, "This tentative agreement reflects the strength, unity, and unwavering commitment of Cooley nurses to safe patient care."

Highlights of the Agreement

The tentative agreement includes several critical features:

• - No Takeaways: Importantly, the agreement does not include any takeaways, meaning that nurses will retain all their current benefits and working conditions, alleviating fears of potential cutbacks from management.
• - Investment in Nurses: MGB has agreed to make substantial investments in the nursing workforce, aiming to boost recruitment and retention efforts crucial for maintaining safe staffing levels during shifts.
• - Wage Increases: Over the next three years, the agreement proposes over an 8.5% across-the-board wage increase retroactive to April 2025, with additional increases in subsequent years. This improvement aims to address wage stagnation, especially in light of rising inflation.
• - Maintaining Coverage and Benefits: The agreement preserves critical health insurance programs, maintains eligibility for full-time positions, and keeps essential rights such as the Extended Illness Bank and Earned Time Off (ETO).
• - Professional Growth: Enhanced benefits also include increments in certification bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and bereavement leave provisions.

Community Support and Solidarity

The nurses received unwavering support from the community, which played a vital role in the negotiations. Their solidarity was notably demonstrated during an informational picket held in June, showcasing the community's belief that quality care can only be delivered with adequately supported healthcare professionals.

Aaron Winston, another RN and MNA Committee Co-Chair, expressed pride over the accomplishments of this agreement, stating, "We are extremely proud of what we achieved for our nurses, patients, and our entire community." The deal not only solidifies their existing benefits but also lays a foundation for future improvements that aim to ensure that Cooley Dickinson Hospital delivers the highest quality care possible.

As this tentative agreement is set to be voted on by the Cooley Dickinson RN bargaining unit, the MNA remains confident that this contract represents a monumental step forward for the nursing profession within the community.

In conclusion, the negotiations and the tentative agreement reached by Cooley Dickinson nurses highlight the importance of strong advocacy and collective bargaining in improving working conditions and patient care, setting a precedent for future labor relations in healthcare institutions.