Largest healthcare strike in Oregon history continues into new week

The largest healthcare strike in Oregon’s history began its first full week on Monday, with nearly 5,000 nurses and over100 doctors hitting the picket lines as union negotiations continue with Providence Health.

Healthcare workers began the strike on Friday, picketing at multiple hospitals and clinics across Oregon.

The strike includes nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, certified nurse midwives, and other healthcare professionals at eight Providence hospitals and six Providence Women’s Clinics across Oregon.

Unionized workers say they are fighting for higher pay and better working conditions, including improved nurse-to-patient ratios. The Oregon Nurses Association, the union representing the workers, has accused Providence of violating an Oregon law that sets minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios.

Providence and ONA have been trying to reach an agreement for more than a year.

At an ONA rally on Sunday, supporters including state representative Travis Nelson, hyped up the workers on strike.

"Providence is likely committing unfair labor practices by walking away from the bargaining table. They’re lying to them saying they had to walk away so they could prepare for a strike. When we all know that this is a tactic," Nelson said.

“I am tired of seeing my nurses get disrespected as Providence refuses to bargain in good faith even after a strike notice. Our patients see what happening and they demand better,” Nurse Virginia Smith told supporters at the rally.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek told Providence to get back to the bargaining table after not negotiating for the 10 days leading up to the strike.

Providence wasn’t available for interviews today, but in a statement sent to KATU News, Providence says it notified federal mediators today that its now in a position to resume negotiations with the Oregon Nurses Association at six hospitals.

ONA says they are still waiting for communication from Providence or the mediator with an invitation to bargain. "Providence’s calculated strategy to cherry-pick which bargaining units they will engage with is not only counterproductive but is also a cynical attempt to pit one hospital against another," ONA said in a statement.

"So make us competitive, treat us respectful. Why are we worth less than the rest of the city? Tell me why we are worth less than the rest of the city and less than the other Providence hospitals," said Lisa Harrison, an RN at Portland Providence. Other nurses KATU News spoke with said pay and benefits are not the only thing they are fighting for.

https://katu.com/news/local/largest-healthcare-strike-in-oregon-history-continues-into-new-week

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Author: KATU News
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News post in at: January 14, 2025, 3:00 am.

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