Dana Farber Cancer Institute Nurses Return To Work

METHUEN, MA — Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) Merrimack Valley nurses returned to work Monday after a three-day work stoppage last week. Nurses who are part of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) went on strike Wednesday then were locked out by the hospital Thursday and Friday, according to the union.

"The nurses returned to work yesterday," MNA Associate Director of Communications Joe Markman said. "They were happy to get back and went inside in groups of two to show continued unity."

Markman said that no bargaining date has been set yet, but there is a federal mediator involved who will likely be coordinating that.

"The nurses are hopeful that Dana-Farber recognizes the value they bring to the community and their patients, especially after receiving so much support from patients and the community during the strike and lockout," Markman said.

The union claims that the hospital has "refused to make reasonable compromises with nurses to reach a fair contract." The two sides have reportedly not made progress on key items like benefits and daily overtime standards.

Hospital officials said that in 19 bargaining sessions over nine months they have been negotiating in good faith to create the first collective bargaining agreement with Merrimack Valley nurses. They claim that the proposed contract is "very competitive" and includes raised salaries.

The hospital's nurses approved authorization to strike by a measure of 97% last month.

Hospital officials said they contracted "highly experienced and well-trained nurses for the duration of the work stoppage," which ended Monday.