Registered nurses at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, Mass., will end a one-day strike Tuesday over alleged unfair labor practices, and plan to return to work.
The workers, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, began the strike at 6 a.m. ET June 26. To prepare for the strike, the hospital hired temporary replacement nurses, who came on board the evening of June 25, and will continue providing care until 7 p.m. ET June 28. Baystate Franklin said union nurses will be locked out during this time because the hospital must guarantee a minimum number of days' work for the temporary nurses.
The union said the lock out led to the decision for nurses and community supporters to march Tuesday from BFMC to talk with Baystate Health Board of Trustees member Timothy Farrell. The MNA said nurses and supporters will ask to meet with Mr. Farrell "to urge him to ensure good faith bargaining." The union added: "Nurses and supporters will then march to the Greenfield Town Common for a rally at noon Tuesday."
Both sides have tried to reach an agreement for months. The MNA has said key sticking points in negotiations include staffing, workload and health benefits.
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