St. Vincent Nurses Will Keep Union After Decertification Effort

WORCESTER, MA — Nurses at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester defeated a decertification effort in a 302 to 133 vote, the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) reported Monday evening.

The nurses voted throughout February on whether to decertify the MNA, which would've left the nurses without union representation. The decertification effort was led by C. Richard Avola — a replacement nurse hired to work during the strike — with help from the anti-union National Right To Work Foundation.

“The honor and integrity of our union is strong, as the St. Vincent nurses have reaffirmed our right to maintain a powerful voice in our advocacy for our patients and our work life. We now look forward to working with all our colleagues to truly begin the healing process and to build a positive future for St. Vincent Hospital,” St. Vincent nurse Marlena Pellegrino said in a news release on Monday.

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The MNA does not expect a challenge to the decertification vote, a union spokesperson has said.

In a statement, the hospital said it will respect the results of the decertification vote.

"St. Vincent Hospital respects the decision of its nurses to continue to be represented by the MNA. St. Vincent holds its nurses in the highest esteem and remains committed retaining and attracting high quality nursing talent. We continue to foster a culture and team that is committed to providing quality care to the greater Worcester community."

The St. Vincent nurses went on strike almost exactly one year ago seeking a new contract with higher staffing levels. After months of bitter back-and-forth between hospital executives and the MNA, the two sides came to an agreement in December with help from Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, the former mayor of Boston.

The nurses voted to accept the new contract on Jan. 3, and nurses began returning to work in February. The vote on whether to keep the MNA was held by secret ballot between Feb. 4 and Feb. 25.