Providence Health Workers Strike Looms As Oregon Nurses Call for Intervention
With 5,000 Oregon healthcare workers poised to strike on January 10, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) urged elected officials to intervene in the labor dispute on Thursday, as Providence Health & Services still refuses to negotiate with the workers.
Providence Health Workers Call For Intervention Before Planned Strike
Less than two weeks before a strike planned by 5,000 healthcare workers, Providence healthcare workers could not agree with the employer.
The ONA has now filed an unfair labor practice charge against Providence with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
The union alleges an illegal refusal to bargain and has called on local, state, and federal officials to pressure Providence to return to negotiations. They seek to conclude an agreement that prioritizes patient care and worker rights.
The ONA said Providence’s stance violates labor laws and jeopardizes patient health and safety. The union highlighted that prompt resolution of labor disputes is critical, especially at a time when healthcare systems are under significant strain.
The goal is to achieve a fair contract addressing staffing shortages, workplace safety, and adequate compensation for healthcare workers.
Other healthcare systems, such as Kaiser Permanente and St. Charles Bend, have resolved contract disputes through last-minute negotiations before strikes in 2021 and 2023, respectively, and hospitals in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania have also averted strikes by successfully reaching agreements with healthcare workers.
The current planned strike would affect healthcare facilities across Oregon, potentially affecting thousands of patients. Workers at Providence Medford Medical Center (PMMC) would also strike.
The dispute comes as patients are also affected by Aetna Insurance’s decision to drop Providence Health. Health Care Provider. Elected officials have not yet commented on their involvement in resolving the dispute.