Advanced practice providers at one of New England’s largest cancer programs have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board seeking to vote on whether to unionize.
The petition, filed Jan. 29, follows a request made the previous day by a group of APPs — including nurse practitioners and physician assistants — for the institute to voluntarily recognize their union based on majority support. According to a news release from the Massachusetts Nurses Association, a neutral third-party card check was proposed to confirm support. The union said APPs subsequently filed for an election.
An overwhelming majority of the nearly 200 APPs have signed union authorization cards to join the Massachusetts Nurses Association, according to the union.
“We are deeply committed to our patients, our work, and the mission of the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, and are proud of the care we provide across the system,” the APPs wrote in a letter to MGBCI President David Ryan, MD. “We are excited by the growth and expansion taking place, and as patient needs and clinical complexity continue to increase, we believe APPs must have an equal seat at the table to help shape sustainable staffing models, fair compensation, and practice standards that support high-quality, compassionate care.
“By forming a union, we aim to partner constructively with leadership to raise concerns, share expertise, and collaboratively develop solutions grounded in frontline experience.”
The NLRB provides several paths to unionization. If at least 30% of workers sign cards or a petition, the board will conduct a vote, according to its website. Employers also have the option to voluntarily recognize a union based on majority support.
Mass General Brigham acknowledged receipt of the petition and said it will address the matter through the NLRB’s process.
“Our Advanced Practice Providers are highly valued members of our care team, bringing advanced expertise and clinical excellence to our patients and their families,” the system said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “We will continue to support and empower our APP community as vital partners in achieving the highest standards of healthcare.”
The system added: “Our shared vision for the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute has been built through strong collaboration across disciplines and reflects our commitment to delivering an integrated, world‑class cancer program centered on exceptional patient care.”
The Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute has a main campus in Boston and community sites across New England. If the NLRB authorizes an election, it will set the logistics and timeline.
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