Nurses at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, organized under the Brattleboro Federation of Nurses, are preparing to cast their votes regarding a potential strike in light of a significant projected budget shortfall of $14.5 million. Ballots are scheduled to be distributed to the union’s 160 members on Wednesday, with the results anticipated by March 23. Should the vote favor a strike, the union would be required to provide a legal notice of ten days before any walkout occurs at the facility, which employs approximately 500 staff and serves a community of about 55,000 residents.

The union has voiced dissatisfaction with proposed restrictions on salary increases and benefits. The nurses are advocating for a contract that adequately supports them in providing care to the community. This recent decision follows contract negotiations that commenced last year but were suspended in the fall when state regulators raised concerns about the accuracy of the hospital’s operating budget, which led to the identification of the current financial shortfall.

Hospital administration officials have expressed their desire to keep negotiations active with the help of a federal mediator instead of resorting to limiting services to only those deemed essential during a possible strike. They have emphasized the importance of continued dialogue at a time when finding a solution is crucial for the hospital’s future.

Leadership at the hospital, which has 61 beds and ranks as one of the largest employers in Brattleboro, maintains that financial realities prevent them from providing pay raises to their employees. They highlighted the necessity of ensuring the institution’s financial health amidst increasing demands from regulators for improved efficiency. Concerns have also been raised about broader trends in the healthcare sector, such as job cuts at nearby facilities.

While negotiations continue for a new three-year contract following the expiration of the previous one on September 30, both the union and hospital management have reiterated their willingness to discuss terms. Another union, Brattleboro Healthcare United, representing 280 support staff members, is also poised for talks this week as they similarly contest proposed changes to compensation and benefits.