WORCESTER— More than 1,000 workers at UMass Memorial Medical Center could go on strike as early as June 9, after their union, UFCW Local 1445, issued a formal 10-day strike notice last Friday.
The move follows months of contract negotiations that union leaders say have failed to produce meaningful progress on key issues, including wage equity, job outsourcing protections, and staffing conditions.
“There has been some slight movement on the economics, but we’re still looking at much less than we got last contract,” Sue Morrow, a lab support technician at UMass Medical and a member of the union’s bargaining committee, told The Worcester Guardian. “Our members have told us very clearly they’re not gonna wait until November again.”
Morrow, who has worked at the hospital for 25 years, said the union is particularly concerned about disparities that allow new hires to earn the same—or more—than longtime staffers.
“We want rates to reward experience, and especially current employees’ committed longevity with this employer,” she said.
The union has also raised red flags over hospital proposals that Morrow says would allow for increased outsourcing of housekeeping and dietary roles, as well as the introduction of new technologies that could eliminate jobs held by local workers.
The potential walkout would follow a Friday vote on the most recent offer from the hospital. “We hope we will have a strong contract we can recommend to our membership,” Morrow said. “We do not want to strike but will do what we need to do if management continues to play their games.”
The union has held a series of public actions leading up to the strike notice, including a kickoff rally and multiple days of informational picketing. “We don’t want to be out on the street instead of caring for our patients,” Morrow said. “But when somebody shows you so clearly and so consistently that they don’t respect the work you do and the sacrifices you make, you need to stand up.”
In a statement, UMass Memorial Health acknowledged the strike notice and said it remains committed to good-faith bargaining.
“We respect the rights of UFCW Local 1445 to issue a strike notice and are committed to working with them in good faith toward a fair and equitable contract that recognizes our caregivers’ contributions and further invests in their wellbeing and professional growth,” said Shelly Hazlett, media and public relations director.
She added that the hospital has contingency plans in place. “Should the union strike, we are prepared to maintain hospital operations and ensure all patients can access the high-quality care they need with minimal disruption.”
The current contract expires Sunday, June 8. Union officials said they are willing to meet for additional bargaining sessions ahead of the deadline.
“This isn’t about us pushing for something they can’t afford,” Morrow said. “They can buy more hospitals, they can pay their CEO $3 million a year. We want to be respected for what we contribute to make this such a well-renowned hospital system.”
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