On July 8, 2026, over 4,500 nurses and home care clinicians initiated a significant strike in Boston, marking the largest healthcare worker strike in Massachusetts history. The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) reported that approximately 4,000 registered nurses from Brigham and Women's Hospital and 450 clinicians from Mass General Brigham Home Care participated in the work stoppage. The union sought competitive wage increases to keep pace with the rising cost of living, among other demands. Despite significant efforts to compromise and offers to continue negotiations to avoid a strike, MGB refused to improve its proposals and declined opportunities to continue bargaining.
The nurses' strike was scheduled to last one day, followed by a four-day lockout imposed by MGB. Home care clinicians planned a seven-day strike, beginning at 8 a.m. on the same day. The union emphasized that the strike was a last resort after months of unsuccessful negotiations.
In response to the strike, MGB stated that Brigham nurses are "among the highest compensated in the market." The hospital system also announced plans to continue providing high-quality patient care throughout the work stoppage by contracting with Joint Commission-accredited agencies to provide licensed nurses and clinicians to support operational areas active during the stoppage.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, along with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, released a joint statement urging both parties to resume negotiations. They expressed concern over the potential disruption to patient care and the broader impact on the Greater Boston region.
The strike underscores the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare workers in Massachusetts, including issues related to staffing levels, wage disparities, and working conditions. The outcome of this strike may have significant implications for labor relations and healthcare delivery in the state.