HOOD RIVER — Since March, Providence and the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) have been in a bargaining battle. In search of a new contract, the ONA has been asking for competitive pay, safer working conditions, and improved patient to nurse ratios. Providence is Oregon’s — and Washington’s — largest healthcare providers, and in 2023, their eight Oregon hospitals reported $28.7 billion in operating revenue.
On Nov. 22, nurses at the Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital and other locations around Oregon voted to authorize a strike. The 5,000 nurses and caregivers at seven hospitals and six clinics across the state joined them to authorize a strike. Their vote does not mean a strike is imminent, and ONA says bargaining units “want to avoid a strike and will continue to be available to meet Providence management at the bargaining table.”
Nurses at Providence Hood River completed a three-day strike in June.
According to the ONA, they have filed multiple unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board alleging the following: Refusal to bargain, bargaining in bad faith, unilateral implementation of mandatory subjects, denial of access to employee representatives and retaliation against union leaders.
In a statement to Columbia Gorge News, Providence Hood River said: “We have made highly competitive offers, including double-digit percentage wage increases. At Providence Hood River, we have held 23 bargaining sessions with another session planned for mid-December and there will be a federal mediator present. A strike would not be in the best interest of our patients and communities across the state.”
Providence Hood River’s statement continued: “Providence is making the necessary preparations to ensure maintenance of safe care in our communities should ONA-represented caregivers strike at any of our facilities. The Providence bargaining teams are committed to the negotiation process, with the intent of reaching competitive agreements at all open tables that support caregivers and their families while being sustainable.
“That said, our goal is to reach contract agreements at every open site as soon as possible.”
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