Brigham nurses give notice of an open-ended strike starting Nov. 12. Talks resume Nov. 9

The Massachusetts Nurses Association has given notice that about 4,000 nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital will begin an open-ended strike on Thursday, Nov. 12, unless they reach a contract with Mass General Brigham first, WBUR reported Monday. WBUR said it would be the largest strike in Massachusetts history.

The Brigham is one of Boston's largest hospitals and employers, in the Longwood Medical Area. A strike with no end date could affect patients, appointments and surgeries, and the thousands of workers there and their families.

What changed

Our Nov. 1 story reported that talks would resume Nov. 9 and that any new strike would need 10 days' notice under state law. The union has now given that notice. Both sides are still scheduled to meet Monday, Nov. 9, three days before the planned walkout, according to WBUR.

Where the dispute stands

From WBUR's reporting:

• Pay is the main issue. The hospital has not offered raises at the level the union wants. The union also wants limits on the use of temporary nurses and more affordable health insurance.
• The offer. Last month nurses voted to reject what the hospital called its "last, best and final" offer.
• The summer. Nurses held a one-day strike in July, and the hospital then locked them out for four days.
• The union. Kelly Morgan, who chairs the nurses' bargaining committee, said nurses are "ready to strike but are equally prepared to negotiate a fair contract."
• The hospital. Mass General Brigham officials said they hope to avoid another strike, are prepared to keep providing safe, high-quality care during any work stoppage, and remain committed to a fair and responsible agreement.

What our records show

The city is not a party to the talks, and council resolutions do not bind either side. The council has gone on record about the dispute three times this year, each time without a no vote:

• April: support for Brigham nurses. City Councilor Ed Flynn filed docket 0885. It passed 11-0. City Councilor Sharon Durkan, whose district includes the Longwood Medical Area, was added as a co-sponsor.
• July: support for Boston Medical Center nurses. Flynn's docket 1428 passed 11-0. During the debate, City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune said she had joined nurses on the Brigham picket line two weeks earlier (watch at 2:37:36). City Councilor Benjamin Weber said it was a shame that such vital workers had to strike (watch at 2:39:00). BMC nurses ratified a three-year contract in October, NBC Boston reported.
• Oct. 7: back to the table. Flynn's docket 1921 urged the Mass General Brigham board to "return to the table and negotiate in good-faith in light of historic strikes and lockout." It passed 12-0, and every other councilor signed on as a sponsor.

No new resolution on the Brigham appears on Wednesday's council agenda (agenda). Councilors can add items as late files with the council's consent.

What's next

• Wednesday, Nov. 4: The council meets at noon.
• Monday, Nov. 9: The hospital and the union return to bargaining.
• Wednesday, Nov. 11: No council meeting, for Veterans Day, according to the council's 2026 schedule.
• Thursday, Nov. 12: The strike would begin if there is no agreement.
• Wednesday, Nov. 18: The council's next regular meeting after Nov. 4.