Following a five-day strike at Providence’s eight hospitals in Oregon and six of its women’s clinics, Providence Health & Services and union representatives for nurses and other staff have agreed to return to the negotiating table. On Tuesday, the Oregon Nurses Association and Providence released statements confirming their commitment to resume negotiations involving all 11 bargaining units across Providence facilities in the Portland area, as well as in Medford, Newberg, and Seaside, along with the six women’s clinics in Portland.
This decision comes one day after Providence had initially agreed to negotiate with hospital bargaining units outside of Portland and two units at women’s clinics, but not with those at Providence Portland Medical Center or Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. Providence noted in its statement that it is now prepared to negotiate with all units, attributing this readiness in part to the “unprecedented number of ONA-represented nurses who chose to continue working” during the strike.
The health care provider reported that out of the 4,800 nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association at Providence, 600 did not participate in the strike, a claim that the union contested. The labor action also included participation from 70 physicians at Providence St. Vincent and 80 doctors, clinic nurses, midwives, and nurse practitioners at the six women’s health clinics in the Portland region. This strike marks the largest labor action in Oregon’s history, notably including physicians for the first time in a labor protest.
The timeline for when negotiations will resume remains uncertain. During a news conference, leaders from the Oregon Nurses Association highlighted that wages and staffing levels at Providence hospitals are critical issues that have hindered progress. They are advocating for competitive wages that reflect the demanding nature of their work and keep pace with inflation, as well as staffing levels that adequately correspond to the intensive care needs of patients.
A negative workplace environment or poor management practices, including lack of communication and respect, can contribute to employee dissatisfaction and strikes. Healthcare workers frequently demand competitive salaries that reflect their skills, experience, and the demanding nature of their work. Inadequate pay can lead to dissatisfaction and calls for better compensation.
