Marblehead Teachers Union Backs Brigham & Women's Nurses In Labor Strife

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The Marblehead Education Association — whose members took part in one of the longest teacher strikes in state history last year — issued a statement publicly backing Mass Brigham nurses who were locked out of their jobs over the weekend following a one-day strike.

Thousands of nurses returned to work at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital Monday following a one-day strike and four-day lockout.

• Boston's Brigham And Women's Hospital Nurses Return To Work Following Strike And Lockout
  

"As educators, we know that the professionals closest to the work are often the ones best-positioned to identify what those they serve need most," the MEA Executive Board said in a Tuesday statement. "Their experience matters, their expertise matters, and their voices deserve to be heard.

"We also understand that when frontline professionals are not meaningfully included in decisions affecting their work, those they serve ultimately feel the consequences."

The nurses staged a one-day strike last week as they sought a 5 percent cost-of-living increase over their annual raises — although the hospital said the nurses are already among the highest-paid in the region, with the new wage demands costing the network up to $128 million annually.

"(The MEA stands) with them as they continue working toward agreements that recognize their expertise and strengthen the care they provide every day," the MEA said. "As negotiations continue, we support their efforts to secure fair contracts that recognize their essential work and help ensure that patients and families continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve."