Providence Reaches Tentative Agreements with Striking Healthcare Workers in Oregon

The strike has been a significant event in Oregon’s healthcare sector, with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) noting that it is the largest in the state’s history.

Providence Health & Services is nearing a resolution to a month-long strike involving nearly 5,000 healthcare workers at its Oregon hospitals, as tentative agreements are reached with nurses at all eight affected facilities.

These nurses, who are part of Oregon’s largest healthcare strike, will remain on strike until the deal is ratified through a vote opening on Thursday and running through Saturday.

The strike has been a significant event in Oregon’s healthcare sector, with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) noting that it is the largest in the state’s history.

The tentative agreements, announced on February 5, follow several weeks of intense negotiations and mediation, including seven days of in-person sessions requested by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek.

The unions involved have emphasized improved wage scales and additional benefits for workers as key outcomes of the talks.

Specifically, registered nurses at Providence Women’s Clinic are set to receive pay increases ranging from 4% to 20%, along with bonuses for certain shifts and expanded funding for professional development.

"This agreement at Providence Women's Clinic proves that solutions are within reach when Providence negotiates in good faith and prioritizes investment in their most valuable asset; their caregivers," said Charlie Saltalamacchia, a representative from the Oregon Nurses Association.

However, the union highlighted that not all demands were met, particularly with regard to contract expiration dates and full retroactive pay. While a portion of retroactive pay will be issued as a bonus based on hours worked since contract expiration, the inability to fully address these issues has led to some ongoing tensions between Providence and the unions.

Ongoing Negotiations & Challenges

While the tentative agreements represent progress, negotiations continue with hospitalists at Providence St Vincent Medical Center. Despite these developments, the strike remains active, and union members, including nurses and physicians, are holding firm on issues such as safe staffing and competitive wages.

The union has also expressed frustration with Providence's negotiation tactics, particularly regarding the refusal to bargain across all bargaining tables. The Oregon Nurses Association has called for fair and comprehensive bargaining that addresses chronic understaffing, patient safety, and competitive compensation.

"This agreement at Providence Women's Clinic proves that solutions are within reach when Providence negotiates in good faith and prioritizes investment in their most valuable asset; their caregivers," Saltalamacchia emphasized.

On the management side, Providence has continued to push back against the strike, arguing that it risks creating significant operational challenges.

"Providence has rejected our common-sense proposals to improve patient care and safety by not committing to safe staffing and other critical patient safety issues in our contracts," the union’s statement read.

In a statement issued by Providence, the health system acknowledged the ongoing negotiations, with the company expressing appreciation for the healthcare workers who have continued to serve their communities amid the dispute.

"Providence is grateful for the tireless work done by everyone involved in this process," the statement noted.