Providence Nurses Consider Options As Contract Talks Stall

BEAVERTON, OR — It's a little early to start seriously worrying if nurses at Providence hospital but it's clear that there's a growing sense of unease. It came out at a virtual town hall meeting sponsored by the Oregon Nurses Association representing the nurses.

They say that two years of pandemic has exacerbated already tough working conditions. From paychecks that haven't quite kept up with the cost of living to the stress that has come with not just increased hours but staffing problems and providing care during COVID-19.

Nearly 600 nurses logged in for the meeting.

The town hall was held as nurses at two Providence hospitals – St. Vincent and Willamette Falls – are working without a contract. Both contracts expired in the past month.

Nurses at two other Providence hospitals – Milwaukie and Hood River – will see their contracts expire in the coming weeks.

In all, ONA says that they are or all be negotiating contracts at seven Providence hospitals.

"Our first two contracts expired without significant movement on ONA nurses' top priorities: staffing, healthcare, paid time off, and across-the-board raises," ONA says.

Providence says that they are bargaining in good faith, are offering raises and other changes but have met resistance from the union.

The union is calling for informational pickets on March 15.