Nurse Strike Averted At UMass Memorial

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By Rick Saia

UMass Memorial Medical Center and registered nurses at its University campus reached a tentative contract agreement late last night that averted a one-day walkout that had been called for today.

In a statement, the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), which represents the 1,100 nurses at the campus, said the accord provides the staffing improvements the nurses sought "to ensure their patients receive quality level care."

"The three-year contract provides for significant improvements in staffing levels on all floors with limits on nurses patients assignments we sought to ensure safe patient care," said Margaret McLoughlin, chair of the bargaining unit. "We believe this is a fair agreement that is a victory for all of us - nurses, management and most important of all, our patients and community."

More specific details of the agreement will be released once members have reviewed it. A ratification vote will be scheduled in the coming days.

In a separate statement, UMass Memorial President and CEO Eric Dickson said the agreement "meets the objectives of the medical center and is also in the best interests of our nurses and most importantly, the patients and the families in the communities we serve."

In achieving the breakthrough today, the nurses praises U.S. Rep. James McGovern, who they said played a pivotal role in the last few days to help both sides work out an agreement.

"Congressman McGovern is a true friend to nurses and a powerful advocate for our patients and the community we serve," said Ellen Smith, co-chair of the nurses' bargaining unit.

The nurses voted last month to authorize the one-day walkout; they endorsed the action Tuesday night at open meetings.

The health care system said Friday it transferred $4 million to a staffing firm to provide replacements who will fill in for striking nurses for at least five days. The nurses union has called that action a "lockout," which it said will subject patients to "substandard care by replacement nurses drawn from all over the country who have no familiarity" with the hospital.