In Portland, a glimmer of hope emerged for the striking advanced practice providers (APPs) as Legacy management bowed to pressure, agreeing to mediation after a four-day standoff. Outside Legacy Good Samaritan hospital, a crowd formed on Saturday, December 6, uniting striking APPs and members of other unions, state politicians, and community activists in a show of solidarity. According to a report by the Oregon Nurses Association, the agreement to return to the bargaining table marked significant progress.
Concerns were raised by Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal, who, as the rain held back its tears, addressed the gathered crowd with a stark warning to Legacy executives. "You cannot maintain high quality healthcare if no one wants to work for you," he said, a sentiment echoed by many in the healthcare community facing burnout. In the same breath, Kanal showed his support for the APPs, noting, "And I don’t know about you, but I don’t think workers should have to wait a year and a half for their first contract, do you?" The union remains committed to its cause, with Rob Brookshire, a PA at Legacy Emanuel, insisting, "We are making progress—Legacy leadership has agreed to bargaining dates, and we have opened communication to leadership to ensure our message is being heard, without any filters, by those making decisions," as reported by the Oregon Nurses Association.
Legacy management's initial refusal to accept federal mediation or to engage in bargaining in the 10-day notice period before the strike has been a point of contention. However, with the first mediation session set for Monday, December 8, hopes are high among the APPs that continued pressure will yield favorable outcomes. The strike, according to ONA's statement, will press on during this period of negotiation.
Amidst the industrial action, the APPs addressed their patients with reassurance and a clarion call to seek needed medical care without hesitation, emphasizing that doing so would not constitute crossing the strike line. They further invited community members to join the demonstration, post-care, showing that patient advocacy remains at the heart of their protest. For more information on the negotiations and to view the community petition, individuals are directed to the Oregon Nurses Association website.
