The workers are represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association. Nurses claim Baystate Franklin failed to negotiate a number of issues, including the amount of work nurses do, health insurance and employee retirement plans, according to the report. More specifically, the workers allege they are understaffed, which they say jeopardizes patient care, the report states.
The hospital did not immediately return Becker’s Hospital Review‘s request for comment. However, the report states hospital officials do not agree with nurses’ allegations.
“Baystate Health greatly values the dedication and contributions of our nurses across our organization,” Ben Craft, senior director of government and public affairs for the hospital’s owner, Springfield, Mass.-based Baystate Health, said in a statement cited in the report. “We have a fair and competitive offer on the table, and we’ll continue to bargain in good faith in line with our sincere intent to reach a settlement.”
The rally comes after nurses filed six federal unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing Baystate Health of engaging in illegal bargaining practices.
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