The planned strike by over 4,500 nurses and home care clinicians employed by Mass General Brigham (MGB) raises significant concerns about potential disruptions to patient care and the broader healthcare system in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) has been in negotiations with MGB, seeking wage increases that align with the rising cost of living, affordable health insurance, and enhanced patient care protections.
MGB has stated that Brigham nurses are "among the highest compensated in the market," and the hospital system has reported an operating gain of $59.2 million and a net margin of $2.4 billion in the fiscal year ending September 2025.
The strike is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on July 8, with the nurses' walkout lasting one day, followed by a four-day lockout imposed by MGB. Concurrently, MGB Home Care clinicians plan to initiate a seven-day strike starting at 8 a.m. on the same day.
Governor Maura Healey, Mayor Michelle Wu, and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey have expressed concerns about the potential disruptions to patient care and the broader impact on the Greater Boston region. They have urged both parties to resume negotiations promptly to avert the strike and minimize harm to the community.