The Berkshire Eagle reports Berkshire Medical Center and its Registered Nurses, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, have reached a tentative agreement that both sides feel is good news for the hospital, its employees, and the community at large.

A statement from Berkshire Medical sent to us this morning says that from the beginning of contract negotiations 45 sessions and 21 months ago, BMC has sought an agreement with its nurses that was fair and reasonable for them and sustainable for the hospital and the community.

The nurses bargaining unit says that the agreement marks a huge success for patients, nurses and the community by improving staffing and patient care conditions. This news comes after three marathon bargaining sessions on June 12th, 13th, and 14th.

The tentative agreement, which must be ratified by a vote of the 800 BMC nurses, averts a one-day strike that was scheduled for Monday.

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