Boston, MA – September 1, 2025 – Primary care physicians at Mass General Brigham (MGB), one of the most powerful hospital systems in the country, stood together with union allies, patients, and elected officials after the Boston Labor Day Parade to demand recognition of their union and a seat at the bargaining table.

In May, 88% of MGB primary care physicians voted to unionize with Doctors Council SEIU, yet MGB executives continue to stall and refuse to negotiate. Physicians stressed that this crisis is about protecting patients, preserving primary care, and putting communities ahead of corporate profits.

“We are organizing to hold MGB accountable and force them to put patients over profits. We should not need to tell this to a nonprofit health system, but here we are.” Dr. Michael Barnett

Doctors described unsustainable workloads, 80– to 90-hour weeks, and worsening burnout, as well as MGB’s decisions to cut prevention programs, silence physician voices, and prioritize high-revenue specialty projects — even proposing to partner with retail giants like CVS while community-based care erodes.

“MGB is choosing to pursue a partnership with CVS minute clinics instead of strengthening its own primary care practices. Let’s be clear: that’s not primary care. That’s not what our patients need. It’s a scheme that looks great on MGB’s balance sheet, but does nothing for patients.” Dr. Cooper Warren. 

Elected officials including U.S. Senator Ed Markey and Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan joined the picket to call on MGB to respect the democratic union vote and begin bargaining.

“Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘health is the first wealth.’ That’s what we’re fighting for, we’re fighting for that wealth. That health wealth, for every single person in our society.” Senator Ed Markey  

Doctors vowed to keep fighting until MGB honors their union vote and begins negotiations.

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