Brien Center Management, Union Reach Deal to Avert Strike
Source: iBerkshires
By Jack Guerino
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Brien Center management and employees have settled on a contract that will stop an agency-wide strike.set to start Monday.
Last month, nearly 350 union workers voted to go on strike July 6 because of failed negotiations with management to resolve pay and benefit issues. However, after emergency negotiations this holiday weekend, a contract settlement was agreed upon that would improve wages, reduce health-care costs for front-line clinicians and direct care staff.
"This settlement is proof of the real, positive change that mental health workers can create by standing together," said Jessica Kemp, a registered nurse in Brien’s substance abuse treatment program. "Our new agreement is a significant step in valuing the vital services we provide, and lays a strong foundation for the future at Brien Center.”
"We came to a resolution on July 4 because all parties came together understanding that no one would benefit from a strike," M. Christine Macbeth, CEO of the Brien Center, said. "We worked very hard to put forward a generous and financially sustainable package that will enable us to continue to provide exceptional services to our clients."
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