Baystate, nurses to return to negotiations to prevent strike

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Officials with Baystate Franklin Medical Center will meet with the union that represents the hospital’s registered nurses Thursday, in a last effort to prevent a planned one-day strike.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association is in dispute with Baystate Franklin over health insurance costs, sick days, and overtime pay. Following 25 failed negotiation sessions, the union voted to authorize a strike . They are currently planning a one-day strike on October 5.

The nurse’s union announced Wednesday that they would resume negotiations with Baystate on Thursday afternoon, in what will be their 27th meeting.

The hospital is developing a contingency plan, and officials say they will remain open during the planned strike.

Thursday’s meeting will be held at the First Congregational Church on Silver Street from 12:30-6:30 P.M.