Here are five things to know about the strike.
1. The nurses are striking in response to “deteriorating patient care conditions” and “demands by [Boston-based] Partners HealthCare, [of which Newton-Wellesley is a part], to cut their benefits,” according to the MNA. Union officials have accused the hospital of decreasing core RN staffing levels on a number of floors and increasing the floating of nurses to cover for staffing shortages.
2. Hospital officials said no staff cuts are planned, according to The Boston Globe. There is also disagreement on nurse pay and benefits.
3. Newton-Wellesley expressed disappointment about the union’s decision to strike, and has hired temporary workers and is canceling many patient appointments to prepare for the strike, according to The Boston Globe.
4. The one-day strike will begin at 7 a.m. on June 30 and end at 7 a.m. on July 1.
5. In addition to conducting a strike picket line in front of Newton-Wellesley Hospital, the nurses also intend to picket the Partners HealthCare corporate headquarters.
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