Negotiations between the hospital and the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) formally began on June 8. The negotiations will take place on a regularly scheduled basis throughout the summer with a goal of reaching a fair and equitable agreement by September 30, when the current contract expires.
“We maintain tremendous respect for our nurses,” said Matt Van Vranken, chief operating officer and executive vice president. “They represent the best in care and we are looking to negotiate an agreement that rewards our nurses in the context of the many challenges the hospital faces.”
The MNA is a collective bargaining representative for all non-supervisory nursing staff employed by BWH. An elected committee of BWH nurses, with outside MNA staff and legal support, is responsible for negotiating labor agreements on behalf of the nursing bargaining unit. Representing BWH at the sessions are members of Nursing management, with Human Resources, Finance, Legal and physician support.