Providence Health strike ends with wage increases, staffing changes

Editor's Note

Nearly 5,000 healthcare workers at Providence Health in Oregon secured substantial wage increases and improved staffing plans, ending a historic six-week strike that began January 10, according to a February 25 article in MedPage Today.

According to the article, the strike involved eight RN bargaining units and marked the largest healthcare worker strike—and the first to include physicians—in Oregon's history. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), which represented the workers, emphasized that aligning wages with other health systems would bolster recruitment and retention. Providence Health expressed satisfaction with the agreements, acknowledging the challenges of the past six weeks and emphasizing a commitment to finding sustainable solutions for Oregon's healthcare needs.

The agreement stipulates that nurses will receive wage hikes ranging from 20% to 42% over the contract's duration, with an immediate 16% to 22% boost upon ratification, MedPage reports. Additionally, patient acuity will now influence staffing plans, aiming to enhance patient care and nurse retention. Attention from state leaders, including direct intervention from Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, prompted renewed mediation efforts.

The resolution followed solidarity from hospitalists at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, who approved their contract but continued picketing in support of nurses. MedPage quotes Dr. Jahnavi Chandrashekar, an internist and bargaining team member, highlighting the contract's role in achieving safer staffing and better recruitment while maintaining patient care quality. Despite the agreement, she underscored the ongoing need for advocacy to improve working conditions and patient outcomes.