Three weeks into Saint Vincent strike, nurses crossing picket line inch up

A group of striking workers hold picket signs outside

Photo | Grant Welker Striking Saint Vincent Hospital workers during the 2021-2022 nurses strike

Write a Comment

By Grant Welker

More than three weeks into a nurse strike at Saint Vincent Hospital that doesn't appear close to a resolution, the number of union nurses crossing the picket line has slowly risen.

As of Monday, 130 nurses out of a union of roughly 800 have continued to work during the strike, according to a staff memo from Saint Vincent CEO Carolyn Jackson.

That number is up from 115 at the start of the strike on March 8.

"We are so glad that more of them joined the initial group who crossed the picket line the first day of the strike," Jackson said. "They have been incredibly helpful to our replacement nurses, providing continuity. They have also helped support each other over the last several weeks. We are extremely grateful to them for their dedication to our patients."

The Worcester hospital and the Massachusetts Nurses Association have been at odds on staffing levels, and have not sat down for negotiations since March 3. The union says Saint Vincent refuses to increase staffing levels for patient safety despite the financial ability to do so. The hospital says its staffing levels are safe and in line with others in the industry.

Saint Vincent has brought in travel nurses to replace those who've been on strike, covering costs for those nurses to stay in local hotels and for extra security around the hospital.