Nurses and healthcare workers at Morton Hospital hold informational picket

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Nurses Association, which represents nurses and healthcare workers at Morton Hospital, held an informational picket on Wednesday.

The union said it has been bargaining for a new contract since December of 2024, but that Brown University Health, the new owner of Morton Hospital, has “dug in on a wage proposal that would lock Morton’s MNA members in as some of the lowest paid RNs and HCPs in the region.”

The union said it is holding the picket due to issues with competitive wages and health insurance, as well as nightshift staffing levels.

A spokesperson for MNA said that Brown University Health is “trying to force a lower-quality, more expensive health insurance plan” onto its employees, and that the cost of the plan is “punishing.” They added that management is “refusing” to hire two additional nurses to elevate nightshift staffing levels.

Brown University Health released a statement on May 13 regarding the informational picket, in which it said it is “committed to investing in our talented workforce while expanding access to care and supporting the health of our communities.”

The full statement can be read below:

“Brown University Health is committed to investing in our talented workforce while expanding access to care and supporting the health of our communities. Our dedicated and compassionate nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, social workers, medical technologists, and pharmacists are central to our mission of serving patients across our region – we are deeply grateful for all that they do.

We are negotiating with Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) on a new contract for our nurses and health care professionals at Morton Hospital, and we will work with them in good faith to reach a fair and equitable agreement.”