#United States #Greenfield #Patient Safety #Massachusetts Nurses Association #Baystate Franklin

Baystate Franklin Nurses Deliver Petition for Fair Contract

On February 11, 2026, nurses from Baystate Franklin Medical Center (BFMC) took a stand for patient safety and care quality by delivering a petition to hospital management. This petition, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), was prominently displayed as a giant banner during ongoing contract negotiations. The overwhelming support from the BFMC nursing staff reflects their commitment to advocating for a contract that not only protects staffing levels but also enhances the recruitment and retention of qualified nurses within the community.

A central focus of the petition is the maintenance of enforceable staffing grids for registered nurses (RNs) at BFMC, which are crucial for ensuring that patients receive optimal care. These grids specify the maximum number of patients that can be assigned to each nurse based on the specific unit of the hospital. The nurses argue that any attempt to weaken these protections would directly compromise patient care, lead to increased burnout among health professionals, and hinder their efforts to keep skilled nurses at the hospital.

Suzanne Love, Co-Chair of the BFMC MNA bargaining unit, stated, "We are united in our commitment to protecting our patients and the future of our hospital. Our MNA contract is essential to ensuring safe patient care. Baystate Franklin nurses are empowered through our union to make sure patients receive the time and attention they need. We are calling on Baystate to commit to a new contract that maintains strong patient care protections and properly values the care our nurses provide."

Marissa Potter, another Co-Chair of the bargaining unit, highlighted the significant support behind the petition, noting that "An overwhelming majority of Baystate Franklin nurses signed this petition because we all understand what is at stake. We are seeking a contract that supports recruitment and retention so we can continue providing high-quality care close to home. Franklin County patients deserve to know their hospital is staffed safely and sustainably."

The push for a fair contract comes at a critical time as healthcare across the United States faces unprecedented challenges. Staffing shortages and increased patient loads have made it more vital than ever for nurses to advocate for their rights and the safety of those they care for. The Massachusetts Nurses Association, founded in 1903, is the largest union for registered nurses in Massachusetts, representing approximately 26,000 members who dedicate their efforts to upholding the nursing profession's standards and lobbying for healthcare issues that influence both nurses and their communities.

In conclusion, the efforts by the Baystate Franklin nurses to secure a fair contract are a worthy reflection of the larger struggle for quality healthcare and adequate working conditions in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Their unified voice is a powerful reminder that at the heart of healthcare is the unwavering commitment to patient safety and community wellbeing.

This event serves as a critical juncture for healthcare in Massachusetts, raising awareness about the essential role nurses play in advocating not only for their own working conditions but importantly for the safety and quality of care for every patient that walks through hospital doors.