Nurses from seven Providence hospitals have voted against a tentative agreement aimed at ending a nearly month-long strike. According to KPTV, 83% of voting members rejected the deal. The vote follows ongoing negotiations over contract terms, wages, and working conditions.
The Oregon Nurses Association announced that nurses voted against the proposed contract. "ONA frontline nurses have spoken - with a unified voice - and it is clear they are willing to sacrifice more to get the contract they deserve." The vote saw high participation, and Providence Medford nurses will conclude voting on Saturday, as reported by Jefferson Public Radio.
Providence Health expressed disappointment over the contract rejection and is open to working with federal mediators and the Oregon Nurses Association. The Oregon Nurses Associatio plans a press conference on Saturday to discuss its next steps in the ongoing healthcare strike, which began on January 10 and involves 5,000 workers. Key issues include staffing ratios, break penalties, and retroactive pay, with nurses raising concerns about patient acuity in staffing. Governor Tina Kotek has called for a return to negotiations as the strike gains public attention. Medford nurses and Providence St. Vincent hospitalists will conclude voting on Saturday, potentially influencing future healthcare labor agreements in Oregon, as mentioned by KATU.
