SOMERVILLE, MA — A labor rally was held outside Mass General Brigham's headquarters in Somerville on Friday as home care clinicians continued a weeklong strike and Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses remained locked out following their one-day walkout.
The demonstration took place outside the health system's Assembly Row headquarters at 399 Revolution Drive as the MGB Home Care clinician strike entered its third day. The strike began Wednesday and is scheduled to continue into next week as approximately 450 clinicians seek a first union contract with Mass General Brigham.
State Rep. Mike Connolly, Somerville City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and members of the local union joined clinicians and supporters at the rally.
"Proud to stand alongside these talented and selfless workers today at the MGB Home Care clinician strike in Somerville," Ryan said in a statement.
According to the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the bargaining group consists of registered nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers and dietitians who provide care to patients in their homes throughout the region. Union leaders have said they are seeking a first contract that protects patient care and addresses issues including workloads and compensation.
Friday's rally came as the labor dispute involving Mass General Brigham continued to expand. More than 4,000 nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital ended their one-day strike Thursday morning, but hospital officials locked them out after bringing in temporary replacement nurses under five-day contracts. The lockout is scheduled to remain in effect until the morning of Monday, July 13, with nurses continuing to picket outside the hospital.
The Massachusetts Nurses Association has said both the home care clinicians and Brigham nurses remain willing to return to the bargaining table at any time to reach contract agreements. Following a meeting convened this week by Gov. Maura Healey's office, union representatives said they reiterated their willingness to negotiate while the governor encouraged both sides to continue discussions.
Mass General Brigham has said it remains committed to bargaining in good faith while maintaining patient care during the work stoppage. The health system has said more than 175 replacement clinicians are providing in-home patient care during the home care strike.
The Somerville location uses a team-based approach to care, with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff working together to coordinate treatment with medical, surgical, and behavioral health specialists.
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