Boston Medical Center nurses vote to authorize 3-day strike
BOSTON —
Nearly 2,000 Boston Medical Center nurses voted to authorize a three-day strike, claiming wages and benefits don’t keep up with the cost of living.
The strike authorization passed with nearly 90 percent support. Under federal labor laws, a 10-day notice is required before any strike at a hospital, and such a notice has not yet been issued.
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the union that represents the nurses, said a strike was a last resort and that they still hope to negotiate a new contract with BMC leadership.
“Boston Medical Center has the busiest emergency room in New England, and nurses here care for a diverse set of patients with greater needs than other area hospitals,” said Cari Medina, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “Nurses at BMC excel amid these demanding working conditions, but they have one of the lowest starting wage rates across Boston-area hospitals, and it’s taking a toll as turnover leads to a loss expertise and an over-reliance on out-of-state traveling nurses resulting in higher costs and fewer caregivers living in the communities they care for.”
In response, a spokesperson said BMC is disappointed with the strike authorization vote but remains committed to negotiating in good faith.
“Boston Medical Center Health System has a long history of collaborative relationships with the unions representing our team members,” the spokesperson said. “At the same time, any agreement must reflect the significant financial pressures facing BMC, our health system, and the broader health care industry.”
BMC leadership said its latest contract offer to the union provides wage increased of 15 to 20 percent over the next two years and “appropriately balances our commitment to valuing our nurses, supporting retention and recruitment, and maintaining the financial stability necessary to serve our patients and community. “
The next bargaining session will take place on Sep. 25.
The strike authorization vote comes on the heels of the largest nursing strike and lockout in Massachusetts history over the summer, when Brigham and Women’s Hospital nurses had a 10-day work stoppage.