Oregon Nurses Claim “Victory” as Historic Strike Ends

Medford, Oregon- Nearly 5,000 nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) at Providence health system have voted overwhelmingly to ratify new contracts, concluding a 46-day strike. The agreements, which follow more than a year of negotiations, set new standards for wages, staffing, and patient care across one of Oregon’s largest healthcare providers.

“These contracts represent a major victory for frontline caregivers, but more importantly, it’s a victory for Providence patients and the communities we serve,” said Virginia Smith, a registered nurse at Providence Willamette Falls and an ONA bargaining leader. “As RNs, we believe that these contracts will lead to greater recruitment and retention of frontline nurses as wages become more aligned with other health systems, and we have staffing language that will allow us to spend more time with the patients that need the most care.”

Key Terms of the Contracts

• Wage Increases: Nurses will receive pay increases ranging from 20% to 42% over the contract period, with an immediate raise of 16% to 22% upon ratification.

• Staffing Adjustments: Patient acuity will be factored into staffing plans, aiming to balance nurse workloads and improve patient care.

• Retroactive Pay and Bonuses: For nurses in bargaining units with expired contracts before December 2024, retroactive pay will cover 75% of hours worked in 2024. Nurses at Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Seaside will receive a $2,500 bonus.

• Contract Alignment: Ten bargaining units now have synchronized contract expiration or wage reopener dates, strengthening collective bargaining power.

• Health Benefits Review: A Statewide Health Benefits Workgroup will be formed to assess existing plans and explore a statewide benefits trust.

• Guaranteed Break and Meal Pay: Nurses will receive penalty pay equal to one hour’s wages for each missed break or meal, with payment included in the next paycheck.

The agreements come after a prolonged labor dispute in which nurses advocated for improved compensation and working conditions.

“This is a transformative victory, not just for Providence nurses but for healthcare workers the length and breadth of this country,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “These dedicated and determined frontline caregivers stood up for fair wages, safer staffing, and better care for their patients—and this contract proves that when we unite and fight, we raise standards for everyone.”

Nurses will return to work starting on the night shift of Wednesday, February 26.

Providence released the following statement regarding the agreement:

Providence Oregon is pleased that union-represented RNs at all eight Oregon hospitals voted to approve new contracts and end their strikes. We recognize the challenges faced over the past six weeks and are proud of these agreements that address issues the union bargaining teams identified as priorities during negotiations.

We are grateful to the bargaining teams from Providence ministries and the union for their collaborative work on finding common ground. We look forward to working in cooperation to find sustainable solutions to Oregon’s future health care needs.