Medford, Oregon- Nurses from seven Providence hospitals across Oregon have overwhelmingly rejected the latest contract offers from Providence Health & Services, citing ongoing concerns over systemic issues affecting patient care and working conditions. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) announced that 83% of voting members cast ballots against the proposed agreements, with a record-breaking 92% turnout across the seven bargaining units.
The hospitals involved include Providence St. Vincent, Providence Portland, Providence Milwaukie, Providence Willamette Falls, Providence Newberg, Providence Hood River, and Providence Seaside. Voting on contract offers for Providence Medford nurses and hospitalists at Providence St. Vincent will continue until Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
According to the ONA, the decision to send the offers to a membership vote was made to provide clear feedback to Providence. “ONA bargaining teams approached negotiations and this strike in good faith—even when Providence has not,” the organization stated.
Key issues raised by ONA members include demands for safe staffing levels that account for patient care needs, competitive wages to recruit and retain qualified staff, and comprehensive healthcare plans for caregivers and their families.
“Nurses know Providence can do better, and they are committed to continuing this strike until Providence responds to their demands,” ONA stated.
Providence Health & Services has not yet publicly responded to the contract rejection or the ongoing strike.
The ONA has called on Providence to return to the negotiating table immediately. Nearly 5,000 frontline caregivers are reportedly participating in the strike.
The ongoing strike underscores a broader national conversation about healthcare working conditions and the retention of skilled medical professionals.
Source: ONA
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