Providence Reaches Out to Nurses Wanting to Work, While ONA Strike Continues

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.

Medford, Oregon- Healthcare workers from eight Providence hospitals, including nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, and certified nurse midwives, continue to strike, calling for fair contracts and improved patient care. Their efforts, have led Providence to agree to resume bargaining with all 11 affected bargaining units.

Union representatives stated that the strike focuses on achieving “lasting, meaningful change for workers and patients alike.” ONA claims Providence has reportedly been spending $25.39 million per week on replacement nurses, at an estimated $1,400 per nurse per day, not including additional costs for replacement hospitalists and other caregivers.

Late Wednesday, ONA representatives released the following statement:

Upon hearing that Providence was ready to restart negotiations with all bargaining units, bargaining team members from 11 striking units submitted proposals late Tuesday through federal mediators. The proposals address the systemic issues impacting Providence hospitals and clinics across the state like chronic understaffing and competitive compensation packages to recruit and retain more staff. Bargaining teams are awaiting a response from Providence. We have not heard a response from Providence, and we hope they are taking this process seriously so we can reach a fair contract.

Providence’s Position

Providence Health has outlined procedures for nurses seeking to return to work. Communications sent to ONA-represented acute-care nurses include instructions for in-person reporting on Sunday, Jan. 19, with information also shared through internal channels.

In a statement, Providence emphasized, “Represented caregivers have the right to strike, or to come to work to care for our patients. Providence will not retaliate against caregivers for making either choice.”

Nurses who choose to return must report during designated windows, even if they are not scheduled to work on those days. The organization also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against workplace harassment or mistreatment, encouraging employees to report concerns through established channels.

Ongoing Negotiations

As both parties prepare to return to the bargaining table, union representatives and Providence Health leaders remain focused on addressing key issues related to working conditions, staffing, and patient care. For now, the strike continues, with healthcare workers and hospital management seeking a resolution that meets the needs of both caregivers and the communities they serve.