Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, Mass., is seeking to avert a planned nurses strike, while at the same time preparing for the walkout, reports MassLive.
Registered nurses at BFMC, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, are scheduled to go on a one-day strike beginning June 26. However, the hospital's parent, Baystate Health, seeks injunctive relief from the National Labor Relations Board, "citing language in its current contract with the union," according to the report.
In the meantime, the medical center is preparing in various ways. This includes hiring temporary replacement nurses, who will begin their roles at BFMC at 7 p.m. ET June 25, and continue providing care until 7 p.m. ET June 28, the report states. Nurses represented by the MNA will be locked out during this time.
Still, BFMC President Cindy Russo told MassLive she hopes a strike can still be averted.
The MNA has said key sticking points in negotiations include staffing, workload and health benefits.
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