Newton-Wellesley Nurses Announce 1-Day Strike in June

Registered nurses at Newton-Wellesley Hospital have issued the required 10-day notice of their intent to conduct a one-day strike later this month.

The nurses said Friday they plan to strike June 30 to protest what they call "deteriorating patient care conditions," and proposed cuts to their benefits by Partners Healthcare, the hospital's parent company.

The 24-hour strike will start at 7 a.m. June 30.

Nurses will picket in front of the hospital and at Partners corporate headquarters.

The nurses allege Partners has decreased RN staffing levels on some floors and increased the floating of nurses to cover for staffing shortages to the detriment of patients. They also say Partners is offering inadequate raises while cutting health and vacation benefits.

A hospital spokesman did not immediately return a call for comment Friday.