No deal with Baystate Franklin nurses

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - There is still no agreement between unionized nurses and Baystate Franklin Medical Center after Thursday's nine-hour negotiating session.

Baystate Franklin Medical Center spokeswoman Amy Swisher told 22News in a statement that, "the two parties were deadlocked with very little progress made."

According to Swisher's statement, "The proposals offered by BFMC to the nurses were robust, including wage increases, bonus pay related to overtime, a bonus for ratifying the contract by October 26, and a 3-year contract which the MNA (Massachusetts Nurses Association) had requested."

"Early in the bargaining session it became apparent that the MNA was not interested in reaching an agreement with hospital," said BFMC Chief Nursing Officer Deborah Palmieri.

This was the 27th negotiating session between the two parties.  Their next negotiations date is set for Wednesday October 3rd from 6 to 9 pm.

As it stands right now, the MNA plans to move forward with a 24-hour strike and picketing at the Greenfield hospital.   BFMC plans to develop a contingency plan and remain open during that scheduled work stoppage if it takes place next Friday, October 5th.