Registered nurses at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass., represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, voted March 30 to ratify a new labor contract, according to a union news release shared with Becker’s.
The agreement covers about 750 nurses and addresses staffing, workplace conditions and pay.
According to the union, the deal includes improved staffing grids, wage increases of 4.25% in 2025, 3.5% in 2026 and 3% in 2027 and 2028, and a new pay scale, with many nurses expected to earn an additional $15,000 to $20,000 over the life of the contract. It also includes new protections around the use of artificial intelligence, a $4.50 hourly float differential aimed at stabilizing staffing and expanded bereavement leave.
“This agreement is about creating the conditions to keep nurses at BMC and enable us to provide the best possible care,” Sarah Roberts, RN, said in the release. “These improvements will help ensure Berkshire Medical Center remains a place where nurses want to work and patients can rely on safe, high-quality care.”
Berkshire Medical Center is a 298-bed community teaching hospital and part of Pittsfield-based Berkshire Health Systems.
In a statement shared with Becker’s, Berkshire Health Systems said the two-and-a-half-year contract “will allow us to continue supporting and growing our talented nursing team. We are grateful to all members of both the union and management bargaining committees for their open communication and respectful collaboration throughout the negotiation process. We look forward to continuing to work together to support our workforce, patients and the broader Berkshire County community.”
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