Brigham Women's Hospital nurses strike Boston largest in history

The Brigham Women’s Hospital nurses strike Boston made history on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Thousands of nurses walked off the job early Wednesday morning. Officials called it the largest nurses strike in Massachusetts history. Boston Police also closed Francis Street in the Longwood medical area after crowds gathered outside the hospital. The Massachusetts Nurses Association represents about 4,000 nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The union also represents nearly 500 home health care workers under a separate contract. Mass General Brigham now faces one of the biggest labor disputes in its history.

The hospital hired nearly 1,300 replacement nurses to cover patient care for the next five days. Although the strike lasts one day, the hospital locked out the striking nurses for four additional days. Hospital leaders said the replacement nurses signed five-day contracts. As a result, the strike and lockout will end at 7 a.m. on Monday, July 13.

What both sides are saying about the pay dispute

The dispute centers on wages. The Massachusetts Nurses Association says the hospital proposed zero-percent raises. Mass General Brigham rejects that claim. Hospital leaders say Brigham nurses rank among the highest-paid in the country. They report an average annual salary of more than $147,000. The hospital also says its proposal keeps the existing annual 5% wage increase built into the pay scale. Leaders argue the offer rewards nurses while protecting long-term patient care.

Union leaders disagree. Jen Devincent said nurses belong inside caring for patients instead of standing on a picket line. She blamed Brigham for the breakdown in negotiations. Nearly 500 home health care workers also joined the labor action under a separate contract. As a result, the hospital must manage two labor disputes while continuing patient care.

What patients and families are experiencing

Families outside the hospital expressed mixed emotions on Wednesday. Peter Caikauskas said his father received a double lung transplant in February and remains at Brigham. He admitted he fears for his father’s care. Even so, he said he fully supports the nurses. Other relatives also voiced concerns about care during the replacement nurse period. The strike has placed patients and their families in a difficult position.

Hospital leaders tried to reassure patients. They said the strike will not disrupt patient care. Officials also said appointments will continue unless patients receive direct notice of a change. The hospital hired 1,300 replacement nurses to fill essential shifts. Leaders said patient safety remains their highest priority. The next few days will show how well the plan works.

Timeline and what comes next

The strike and lockout will continue until 7 a.m. on Monday, July 13. Home health care workers plan to end their strike at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15. Hospital leaders based both timelines on the replacement nurse contracts. Negotiators for the Massachusetts Nurses Association and Mass General Brigham have not reached an agreement. The coming days will likely determine whether both sides settle or continue the dispute.

The size of the walkout gives the Massachusetts Nurses Association greater public visibility. Historic labor actions often attract political attention and widespread media coverage. Massachusetts officials could also step into the dispute because of its effect on public health. Other hospital systems continue to monitor the negotiations closely. Many face similar wage disputes with their own nursing staffs. As a result, the outcome at Brigham and Women’s could influence future healthcare contract talks across Massachusetts.