Nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston have postponed a planned strike after nearly eight months of negotiations with hospital management. The decision followed the 27th bargaining session held on October 10 between the union representing the nurses and hospital leadership.

Approximately 4,000 unionized nurses had been prepared to initiate an indefinite strike beginning October 14, a move expected to significantly disrupt hospital operations and patient care. According to Joe Markman, spokesperson for the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the nurses will now vote on a final contract proposal, though a voting date has not yet been set. The union will determine whether to proceed with the strike based on the outcome of this vote.

Key issues in the dispute include disagreements over wages, which remain unresolved despite ongoing negotiations. Union members had been ready to endure a strike without pay and with the loss of employer contributions toward their health insurance premiums, underscoring the seriousness of the labor conflict.

The postponement offers a temporary pause in the labor action, preserving the continuity of care at one of Boston’s major hospitals. Both sides continue to engage in discussions as efforts to reach an agreement move forward.