Editors Note: Medford Alert has never taken any advertising funds or any other forms of payment from the Oregon Nurses Association or Providence Health System. We have always tried to keep the highest integrity in our reporting and we strongly believe that monetizing either side would be counterproductive in our mission to provide transparency and neutrality in our reporting.
Portland, Oregon- On Thursday, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) urged elected officials to intervene as Providence Health & Services continues to refuse to negotiate with healthcare workers. The standoff comes less than two weeks before a planned strike by 5,000 healthcare workers on January 10.
The ONA has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Providence, alleging illegal refusal to bargain. The union is calling on local, state, and federal officials to pressure Providence to return to negotiations and reach an agreement that prioritizes patient care and worker rights.
ONA representatives claim Providence’s refusal to engage in talks stands in contrast to other healthcare systems in Oregon and across the country. Both Kaiser Permanente and St. Charles Bend resolved contract disputes through last-minute negotiations before strikes in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Similarly, hospitals in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois have successfully reached agreements with healthcare workers just days before scheduled strikes, avoiding service disruptions.
ONA argues that Providence’s stance not only violates labor laws but also jeopardizes patient health and safety. The union emphasizes that prompt resolution of labor disputes is critical, particularly during a period when healthcare systems are under significant strain.
The planned strike would affect healthcare facilities across the state, potentially impacting thousands of patients. The strike would also include personnel at Providence Medford Medical Center (PMMC). The ONA maintains that its goal is to achieve a fair contract that addresses staffing shortages, workplace safety, and adequate compensation for healthcare workers.
Here is the open letter that ONA representatives released:
Medford Alert has reached out to Providence representatives and has been provided additional information that can be read here.
Elected officials have yet to comment on their potential involvement in resolving the dispute.
Source: ONA
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