An open-ended strike by about 5,000 nurses, hospitalists, and other frontline healthcare workers at Providence hospitals and clinics across Oregon is scheduled to begin on January 10.
Patients may seek care elsewhere as a result of the strike, which could cripple one of Oregon’s biggest healthcare systems.
The Oregon Nurses Association, which represents nurses and other medical personnel at the Catholic nonprofit health system, made the announcement Monday morning. Before going on strike, health professionals must give ten days’ notice.
After months of negotiations with Providence, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement, according to the union, which issued the strike warning.
Nurses at Providence Seaside and Providence Medford approved the possible strike earlier this month, while the majority of healthcare workers approved it in October and November.
Concerns raised by workers include everything from overall working conditions to personnel levels and pay hikes. The pandemic era highlighted systemic concerns for frontline health care personnel throughout the state, making these issues even more pressing.
Providence Oregon CEO Jennifer Burrows criticized the union in a statement for the lack of progress in bargaining discussions, saying that union negotiators issued contradictory signals in response to the health system’s proposals and were unwilling to compromise.
“To support our priority of ensuring we continue to provide excellent patient care, we have been transparent with union leaders that bargaining stops in the event of a work stoppage,” Burrows said. During this work stoppage, the focus of our leadership team will shift to community care.
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According to Burrows, Providence has found more ways to assist us in providing patient care as well as hired replacement staff. Employees who decide not to go on strike are free to report for work and will be given instructions on how to do so, she added.
According to union leaders, a strike might be avoided if the two sides could come to an agreement, and they are still open to more talks.
Negotiators continue to disagree on a variety of topics, including workforce levels, scheduling procedures, and compensation and benefits.
–Kristine de Leon uncovers tales about data enterprise, small company, retail, and consumer health. [email protected] is her email address.
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