Milford Regional nurses vote to unionize

Photo | Grant Welker Milford Regional Medical Center

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By Grant Welker

Registered nurses at Milford Regional Medical Center have voted to unionize and become part of the Massachusetts Nurses Association.

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 we have with our nurses, the spirit of teamwork that exists across our healthcare system and our commitment to treating all of our employees fairly and with respect."

The vote margin was 256-195 in favor of unionization, according to the hospital.

The unionization vote took place by mail between Jan. 29 and Feb. 19 and was overseen by the National Labor Relations Board, according to the union. The group didn't disclose the exact vote tally but said a strong majority voted to unionize.

The Milford Regional vote comes as the Massachusetts Nurses Association is also locked in tense contract negotiations with management at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester. Saint Vincent nurses voted to strike Feb. 10 but have not yet walked off the job.