Looks like it may happen again.

 A second strike by registered nurses would be cost more money and makes things difficult for Berkshire Medical Center,  but a union’s vote this past week to authorize one will not change BMC's bargaining strategy.

The Berkshire Eagle Reports, David E. Phelps, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems, said he is hopeful the hospital and its RNs will reach a new contract.

Union members believe the threat of a second strike may make that happen.

In both strike authorization decisions, more than 80 percent of the union’s voting members backed the job action. Since the October strike and lockout, contract talks that began in the fall of 2016 have resumed, with the next session set for Thursday.

The two sides remain apart on a number of issues, including staffing levels. Which My Husband and myself and have seen first hand since he has had to spend a quite a bit of time at Berkshire Medical Center and there were issues that came up because of staff being short, or working too many hours, mistakes were made with his medications to name of the the things that arose during one of his stays. The Nursing staff themselves were doing there best.

What is the patient count for each nurse on their shifts?

Staffing problems are definitely an issue the nurses also want workplace safety and health insurance.

The contract affects roughly 800 registered nurses at the Pittsfield hospital and two satellite locations, including programs in North Adams.

The last strike which was supposed to be for one day, but Berkshire Medical Center did a lock out of the nursed for four days.

Video of when the nurses tried to return after the 24 hour strike they did last year.

Do you think they should strike again? Do you think it will get them closer to their goals if they do?

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