The Canton-based nurses union announced the vote Monday, saying unionized nurses benefit both patients and the community.
“Nurses at Milford Regional Medical Center now have an equal seat at the table with management to improve their working conditions, protect their nursing practice and address issues impacting patients under their care, Katie Murphy, the president of the Massachusetts Nurses Association and an intensive care nurse, said in a statement.
Milford Regional Medical Center released a brief statement after the vote. Milford Regional appreciates the role and impact of our nurses and their dedication to quality patient care. Throughout this process, we have been consistent in maintaining our respect for their right to decide for themselves whether or not they supported the MNA. We respect the outcome of this vote, the hospital said. Milford Regional Medical Center will do everything we can to assure that this change does not impact the positive working relationship
MILFORD Nurses at Milford Regional Medical Center have unionized.
“We are overjoyed. We are so happy and so proud,” said Karen Kerr, a nurse on one of the hospital’s COVID-19 floors. “We’re looking forward to all working together now.”
The National Labor Relations Board tallied the votes Monday, and a representative from the Massachusetts Nurses Association released the final count as nurses from the hospital celebrated on Zoom.
The vote was 256 “yes” votes to 195 “no” votes to join the state association. The group needed only a simple majority. The vote still needs to be certified, but supporters said a challenge isn’t feasible.
Milford nurses exhausted, renew call to unionize
MILFORD Low staffing levels and long workdays have nurses at Milford Regional Medical Center running on empty.
“We’ve all nearly fallen asleep driving home,” nurse Christina Buxton said. “It’s so draining to work on your day off and then to work longer when you come in. …. Staying 7 a.m to 11 a.m. (after working a 7 p.m.-to-7 a.m. shift) is brutal, because you’re at your busiest part of the morning when you’re at your most exhausted.”
It’s been more than two weeks since nurses at Milford Regional Medical Center filed to their intent to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board, and delivered copies of the documents to the president’s office at the hospital.