Massachusetts Nurse :: November/December 2005

	Hundreds of Unit 7 members and supporters picketed in front of the State House on Oct. 26 to say that 849 days without a contract has been enough.

Boston: Calling on Romney to be 'fair to those who care': A loud, visible voice for nursing

[More photos]

Hundreds of state-employed RNs and health care professionals (Unit 7 members) rallied in front of the State House on Oct. 26 to tell Governor Romney that it's time to "be fair to those who care."

The call to Romney came on the 849th day that Unit 7 members had been working without a contract, and they came out in force—making a strong showing in support of a fair contract that would improve the recruitment and retention of the professional staff needed to properly care for the state's most vulnerable residents, including disabled veterans and the mentally ill and retarded.

As the sprawling picket line curled its way back and fourth on the Beacon Hill sidewalk, supporters waved signs telling Romney to bring an end to the stalled contract talks and chanted "Hey! Ho! Romney's got to go!"

The Oct. 26 rally was the second event of its kind in as many months, and it was part of an ongoing effort by state-employed RNs and health professionals to achieve a fair contract. "The MNA is committed to stepping up efforts to pressure the Romney administration to do the right thing," said Bill Fyfe, RN and president of MNA's Unit 7. "Governor Romney needs to negotiate a fair contract for our union now. The safety net that's been in place for the state's most vulnerable patients is deteriorating under these conditions and patients are suffering as a result."

Rep. Ed Augustus (D-Worcester) walked the line and promised his support to Unit 7 members.

Other Unit 7 members were quick to expand on Fyfe's key points. "We have continued to work under difficult conditions, and have proven we are dedicated to doing everything we can to provide our patients with excellent care—including asking for the adequate resources to improve that care," said Karen Coughlin, an RN at Taunton State Hospital and a member of both the MNA and Unit 7 Boards. "It is time for Governor Romney and Lieutenant Governor Healey to acknowledge that budget cuts and the delay in providing us with a contract have resulted in their inability to provide safe and adequate staffing in their facilities. Their decisions have left us unable to provide the care that we so desperately try to give to our clients."

Sens. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) and Edward Augustus (D-Worcester), as well as Rep. Peter Koutoujian (D-Waltham), also attended the rally. Each vowed to support the Unit 7 members in their fight for a fair contract.

Following the rally, the group moved inside the State House for an impromptu meeting with Romney—although a staff member from his office quickly informed the burgeoning group that they would need to follow the proper procedures in order to secure a meeting.

The crowd remained outside of Romney's office for about 20 minutes chanting, "Be fair to those who care," and "Shame on you Mitt."

As the stalled talks extended beyond 850 days, the MNA said it was committed to stepping up efforts to pressure the Romney administration to do the right thing and negotiate a fair contract.

[More photos]