INFORMATIONAL PICKET
SUPPORT SALEM HOSPITAL NURSES, PATIENTS & COMMUNITY
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Time: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: The sidewalk in front of North Shore Medical Center at 81 Highland Ave. in Salem, MA.
Nurses at North Shore Medical Center/Salem Hospital are advocating for a fair union contract that protects patients and respects staff. The picket will demonstrate the nurses’ commitment to their patients and the need for the hospital to recruit and retain the nurses needed for quality community care.
- Ensure Patient Safety
- Provide Adequate Staffing
- Protect Nurse Health Insurance
The healthcare system and Salem Hospital are desperate for nurses. Patient care is at risk with the inadequate staffing levels present right now at Salem Hospital. Yet owner Mass General Brigham (MGB) has offered non-competitive wages and threatens to take away longstanding health insurance benefits. Nurses are standing up for themselves and their patients.
Join us on the picket line October 15!!!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When and where is the picket?
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Time: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: The sidewalk in front of North Shore Medical Center at 81 Highland Ave. in Salem, MA.
Why are we picketing?
Hospital management and owner MGB have refused to agree to contract proposals that would improve patient care conditions, staffing, and overall staff morale. This includes competitive wages and charge nurse without an assignment. MGB has proposed wage increases that are below what BWH settled for and that will not improve nurse recruitment and retention. Without strong enough wage increases, Salem Hospital will continue to struggle to keep nurses, putting patient safety at risk.
In addition, during one of our latest bargaining sessions, the hospital said its health insurance takeaway proposal is a top priority. Their proposal would make Salem nurses use the current non-union, MGB insurance, which includes premium costs that escalate based on staff pay levels. We do not believe this is an appropriate way to charge nurses for insurance. An analysis of their proposal by our benefits consultant showed most nurses would see an increase in costs. We have rejected this proposal.
What is an informational picket? Is it a strike?
A picket is a public, visible demonstration that takes place in front of the hospital and gives us the opportunity to show the public that nurses believe something is wrong, and the hospital should agree to a fair contract. It is not a strike. A strike by Salem nurses would require a vote of our membership.
Can I be punished for picketing?
Your right to picket is protected by the National Labor Relations Act. You CANNOT be retaliated against or fired for participating in a picket, according to the agency that enforces federal labor law, the National Labor Relations Board. You can picket even if you have recently been hired and are on probation. You cannot be disciplined for picketing on your own time. If you receive pushback, contact an MNA rep.
Can I picket if I’m working?
If you are scheduled to work, you should go to work. Patients scheduled for care should go and get their care. An informational picket is a picket line outside the hospital that we join before or after work, on our lunch or rest breaks, and on our days off.
Will I lose pay for participating?
No. Nurses will not miss work during a picket. A picket is a demonstration of solidarity on non-work hours.
What or who should I bring?
We will have picket signs, MNA swag, and all other supplies necessary for a successful picket. You can also make your own sign. Bring along anyone who supports the picket, including family, friends, and colleagues.