More than 3,000 nurses across six different Providence Health facilities in Oregon are setting the stage for a three-day strike, marking what is likely to be Oregon's most extensive nurses strike to date. The move is fueled by concerns of being overworked, understaffed, and undercompensated, with a rallying cry for improved healthcare benefits. As reported by KGW, the strike began this morning and will impact Providence hospitals including, but not limited to, St. Vincent in Portland, and locations in Oregon City, Newberg, Hood River, Medford, and Milwaukie.
In the aftermath of an unrelenting pandemic, nurses have found themselves at a crossroads. One nurse detailed personal economic strains caused by healthcare costs, expressing to KPTV that despite the theoretical affordability of a $6,600 family plan out-of-pocket maximum, the reality paints a grimmer picture. "I have been paying a thousand dollars of my income straight back to the company that I work for all year every month, so it’s a lot," the nurse said. This testament underlines the root issues propelling the current labor action.
Negotiations between the nurses' union and Providence management hit a snag, with the union condemning the hospital's refusal to continue dialogues. Although Providence stated that talks had been ongoing since fall without yielding a deal, the nurses were informed that bargaining would be on hold during the strike's duration. According to a statement obtained by OregonLive, the nurses' union affirmed the necessity of the action, emphasizing the need to "take a minute to advocate for ourselves."
Amid the strike, the concern for patient care remains paramount. Patients with existing appointments or in need of medical attention should still head to the hospitals, as Providence has assured the public of having sufficient replacement nurses to fill the gap. "Providence has replacement nurses," a representative mentioned to OregonLive. They went on to clarify, "patients can still receive care if you’re sick. If you’re hurting, please go to the hospital. That’s why we give a 10-day notice. The hospital is open for business; Providence has assured us that they’ve got enough replacement workers to do that work."
