Brattleboro hospital and its nurses reach tentative agreement to avert strike

This comes as the region faces ongoing challenges with support staff also expressing dissatisfaction with their stalled contract negotiations.

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and the union for its nursing staff have established a tentative agreement, potentially averting a strike related to a significant annual budget shortfall projected at $14.5 million. This development comes as the region faces ongoing challenges with support staff also expressing dissatisfaction with their stalled contract negotiations.

The Brattleboro Federation of Nurses, comprising 160 members, had voted last month in favor of a potential strike due to concerns regarding proposed reductions in wages and benefits. The union provided the hospital until a recent Friday to present a more favorable contract proposal to replace the agreement that expired on September 30. Shortly before the weekend commenced, both parties revealed that they had reached a tentative resolution, although details would not be public until the nurses approved the terms.

Tracy Ouellette, president of the Brattleboro Federation of Nurses, stated that the agreement illustrates the solidarity among the nurses and ensures the continuation of high standards in patient care that have benefited the local community for many years.

However, uncertainty remains as the hospital, which employs around 500 individuals and is one of Brattleboro's major employers, still faces the possibility of a strike by the support staff. The Brattleboro Healthcare United, which represents 280 support personnel, recently indicated they might consider a walkout if circumstances do not improve amidst their own negotiations.

Comments from Hailey Escobar, a spokesperson for AFT Vermont, highlighted the discontent following last week’s discussions, indicating that the atmosphere among support staff was tense and resulting in conversations about issuing a 10-day strike notice. Another round of negotiations is scheduled for the following week. Contract discussions began last year but were interrupted in the fall after state regulators raised concerns about the validity of the hospital’s $130 million operating budget. This scrutiny led to the revelation of the substantial deficit and the resignation of both the hospital’s chief executive and financial officers.