Brigham Nurses to Strike Nov. 12
More than 4,000 nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital voted to issue 10-day notice for an open-ended strike.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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Over 4,000 Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, voted to issue 10-day notice for an open-ended strike starting Nov. 12. Negotiations with hospital administration are scheduled to resume Monday, Nov. 9.
Why it matters
The union says the dispute centers on compensation and benefits, limits on temporary nurses, and a float differential, while Mass General Brigham says no patient or workplace safety proposals remain unresolved. The outcome could affect staffing and patient care at one of Boston's major hospitals.
The union voted for a 10-day notice period before an open-ended strike, after 27 bargaining sessions over 11 months. Mass General Brigham says remaining issues relate to compensation and benefits, and it is not yet clear whether talks on Nov. 9 will resolve them.
The players
Massachusetts Nurses Association
The union representing more than 4,000 Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses in contract negotiations with the hospital.
Mass General Brigham
The Boston-based hospital system that owns Brigham and Women's Hospital and says it has participated in 27 bargaining sessions over 11 months.
John Kerry
The former U.S. senator from Massachusetts who showed support for the nurses' union at the 'Quin House event.
The details
Nurses gathered outside THL Partners and the 'Quin House social club on Sunday, Nov. 8, and former Senator John Kerry voiced support for the union. The union has also hired an outside law firm to ask the Attorney General to investigate the non-profit status of Mass General Brigham, which previously hired US Nursing to replace Brigham nurses during a July strike.
Timeline
July: A previous strike occurred, and US Nursing was hired to replace nurses.
October: The union delayed a strike to review the hospital's 'last, best and final' offer, which nurses later rejected.
Sunday, Nov. 8: Nurses protested outside THL Partners and the 'Quin House.
Monday, Nov. 9: Negotiations resume between the union and hospital administration.
Thursday, Nov. 12: The open-ended strike is scheduled to begin.
Season Trajectory
This planned strike follows the July walkout at Brigham and Women's, when replacement nurses were brought in through US Nursing. The union's push to limit temporary nurses reflects an unresolved question from that earlier dispute.
Patients and visitors at Brigham and Women's may face service disruptions if the strike proceeds. Mass General Brigham says the hospital will stay open and ready to care for patients during a strike.
The takeaway
Staffing disputes at large hospitals often turn on temporary replacement labor and benefit terms, so the Nov. 9 talks will show whether those issues can be resolved before a walkout.
What happens next
Negotiations resume Monday, Nov. 9, and the open-ended strike is scheduled to begin Thursday, Nov. 12, if no agreement is reached.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Nursing Jobs in the Boston area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Boston Herald.
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