#United States #Massachusetts Nurses Association #Healthcare Professionals #Holy Family Hospital #Methuen, Haverhill

Holy Family Hospital Healthcare Professionals Unionize

In a decisive move towards enhancing patient care and securing professional respect, healthcare professionals at Holy Family Hospital have overwhelmingly voted to unionize with the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). This collective decision, reached on June 11, 2025, saw an impressive 90% of the voting members in favor, reflecting the strong desire among the staff for a unified voice in advocating for their needs and those of their patients.

This decision involved 76 healthcare professionals, including various roles such as respiratory therapists, social workers, and physical therapists, all participating actively from both the Methuen and Haverhill campuses. The voting process was overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to ensure fairness and transparency, and the results signal not just a victory for the hospital staff, but also a commitment to quality care for the community.

Dave Matthews, a physical therapist and member of the organizing committee, expressed the collective enthusiasm saying, "We are united in our mission to provide exceptional care to our communities. Forming our union means we will finally have an equal seat at the table to make decisions that impact the quality of care we provide every day."

Furthermore, Sandy Mansur, a social worker and another organizer, emphasized the influence of empowered healthcare professionals, mentioning that "the best patient outcomes happen when healthcare professionals are empowered to advocate for improved working conditions." This sentiment highlights the connection between staff morale and patient care, a crucial perspective as the healthcare industry continues to evolve.

Karen Powers, a registered nurse and co-chair of the Holy Family MNA, extended a warm welcome to the newly unionized professionals, stating, "We welcome the healthcare professionals to the MNA and support them in getting their first contract. They are an extraordinary part of the care community at Holy Family!”

Moving forward, the newly formed union will focus on electing local leaders and a bargaining committee while jointly developing contract proposals to initiate negotiations for their first agreement with MNA. This groundwork is essential as the MNA represents over 26,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Massachusetts, operating in more than 70% of the state's acute care hospitals.

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association aims to elevate the nursing profession, promote optimal working conditions, and advocate for health care policies that benefit both healthcare workers and the community. The organization is committed to advancing the standards of nursing practice while providing a voice for its members in legislative and regulatory matters.

As Holy Family Hospital's healthcare professionals embark on this new chapter of collective advocacy, their commitment to improving working conditions—and thereby enhancing patient care—marks a significant step in the ongoing narrative of healthcare reform.

In summary, the unionization at Holy Family Hospital is not merely about labor rights; it's about fostering a supportive environment where healthcare workers feel valued and empowered to deliver the highest standard of care. This milestone could serve as a blueprint for other institutions aiming for similar transformations in their workplaces.

This remarkable decision underscores the growing movement among healthcare workers across the nation to unite for better standards and respect within their professions, ultimately aiming for a healthier society through improved care.