Providence and ONA Signal Potential Return to Negotiations Amid Ongoing Strike

Medford, Oregon- Providence and the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) have issued separate statements indicating potential steps toward resuming negotiations as the healthcare strike involving 5,000 caregivers continues across Oregon. This strike, the largest healthcare strike in the state’s history, centers on disputes regarding staffing levels, patient safety, and wages.

Providence announced it has begun discussions with federal mediators to resume mediated negotiation sessions, citing operational stability achieved during the strike. According to Providence, over 600 ONA-represented nurses chose to work during the strike—a participation rate nearly four times higher than in previous strikes. Providence stated, “This, combined with advance planning and preparation, has allowed us to begin discussions with federal mediators to resume negotiations. We are ready to start at Providence Medford and Providence Newberg today.”

The healthcare system also expressed gratitude to its permanent caregivers and temporary replacement nurses for maintaining care during the strike. Providence noted that it plans to schedule negotiations for other bargaining units in the coming days as leaders manage operational needs and prepare for further discussions.

The ONA, however, expressed frustration with how they learned about Providence’s plans. In a statement, the ONA said, “We found out that Providence wants to return to the bargaining table with nurses at Providence Newberg and Providence Medford through the press and not through mediators or from Providence themselves. We hope that next time, they can just pick up the phone and call us.”

The union also questioned the accuracy of Providence’s claims regarding the number of nurses who worked during the strike, emphasizing that nearly 90% of its members have participated in picket lines. The ONA added that some nurses who initially worked during the strike are now joining their colleagues in protest.

As negotiations potentially resume, the ONA called for serious engagement from Providence. “True bargaining means an intentional effort to reach a fair contract that addresses core issues of chronic understaffing, patient safety, and competitive wages and benefits, including stopping cuts to employee healthcare,” the statement read.

The strike has drawn significant attention from Oregon officials, with many urging Providence to address the concerns of frontline caregivers. While both parties appear willing to return to negotiations, the path forward hinges on finding common ground to resolve the dispute.

Medford Alert will continue to provide updates as the the situation develops.