Brigham Nurses Postpone Strike to Vote on Final Offer
Nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital postponed an indefinite strike to vote on a final contract proposal from Mass General Brigham.
Approximately 4,000 nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital postponed an indefinite strike scheduled for October 14, 2026, to vote on a contract proposal from the hospital system. The decision followed a 13-hour negotiating session on Saturday, marking the 27th bargaining session in a months-long dispute. Because of the postponement, the hospital canceled plans to recruit 2,000 temporary nurses to maintain operations.
Mass General Brigham presented the proposal as its last, best and final offer. The contract, which would run through September 30, 2028, includes 5% annual step raises for nurses with under 20 years of service and two annual 2.5% increases for the most tenured staff. Hospital management stated the offer balances the value of nurses with the long-term financial strength of the institution.
The Massachusetts Nurses Association criticized the offer for failing to provide cost-of-living wage increases, alleging the hospital is using this strategy to break the union. In addition to wages, the union is seeking affordable health insurance and limits on the use of temporary travel nurses. This conflict follows a one-day strike in July and a subsequent work stoppage.
A vote on the contract is expected within two weeks. If the nurses reject the proposal, the union must provide a new 10-day notice before initiating another strike.
