Gov. steps in again as Brigham nurses near an indefinite strike

Gov. Maura Healey on Monday urged one of the state's biggest healthcare employers to "reopen negotiations now" with nurses ahead of an anticipated strike set to begin Oct. 14 at Mass General Brigham.

"Yes. I’ve been clear with both parties. Get back to the table. MGB needs to open discussions, open negotiations, and get back to the table," Healey told reporters in Everett when asked if she's involved in any talks. "Our healthcare workers need to be treated fairly."

Nearly 4,000 Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses plan to start the strike unless they reach a contract deal with Mass General Brigham leadership. They want cost of living increases, affordable health insurance, limits on the use of temporary travel nurses and protections around patient care. MGB says nurses receive annual raises and that the system proposed a new increase for nurses at the top step of their wage scale. 

"I don't want to see people out on strike," Healey continued. "MGB needs to reopen negotiations now."

Nurses authorized an indefinite strike last week, and the Massachusetts Nurses Association said it submitted the required 10-day notice for an "unfair labor practice" strike to MGB. 

A five-day work stoppage in July did not break the contract negotiation stalemate. Healey at the time met privately with MGB and MNA leaders in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent nurses from walking off the job.