Pittsfield, Mass.-based Berkshire Medical Center and the Massachusetts Nurses Association, which represents registered nurses at BMC, continue to try to reach a contract.
Here are six things to know about the negotiations.
1. The two entities began negotiations in October 2016, the union said in a news release. In March, the MNA and BMC agreed to allow a federal mediator to become involved.
2. In the meantime, the nurses' contract, which expired about eight months ago, was extended, according to the union.
3. Seventy percent of BMC RNs recently signed a petition calling on David Phelps, president and CEO of BMC's parent company, Berkshire Health Systems, and the BHS board "to reach a fair agreement that values nurses and allows them to provide the high-quality care their patients deserve," the union said in the release.
"Too often, we don’t have the nurses and other team members available to deliver the quality of care that our patients deserve ...There isn't enough time for the personal touches and nuances that are integral to the nursing profession. There isn't enough time for patient and family education," the petition reads, according to the release. "Too often, we aren't able to answer call lights in a timely manner, and care delays throughout the hospital are excessive. Nurses are burned out. BMC must do better!"
4. Before the petition was delivered Friday to Mr. Phelps, BMC publicized its final offer to nurses, according to The Berkshire Eagle. According to the report, the latest offer from the hospital includes salary increases and other incentives, and totals $6.5 million over three years. In the report, hospital spokesman Michael Leary called it BMC's "best and final offer." BHS officials previously estimated in a letter sent to employees dated March 24 the MNA's proposal would cost an additional $21 million over three years.
However, union spokesman Joe Markman said in the report the MNA has submitted a proposal that is more in line with the hospital's wishes, although he did not provide details.
5. The union said a number of key outstanding bargaining issues remain, including "safe patient limits for nurses targeted to BMC patient needs," as well as security, health insurance and working conditions.
6. The next negotiating session is scheduled for May 10.