Medford, OR – Nurses at Providence Medford Medical Center are on day two of their open-ended strike, continuing their fight for a fair contract. The strike, which began earlier this week, has seen strong turnout from healthcare workers advocating for improved working conditions, better pay, and more support for patient care.
Although the number of striking nurses decreased on day two due to the start of the weekend, the atmosphere remained charged with determination. Nurses expressed their commitment to the cause, noting that the community’s support had been overwhelming.
“As the days go on, more and more people have come out,” said Whitney Evans, a nurse involved in the strike. “The community seems to be really supporting us. As you can hear, there are horns honking. We’ve had people drive by and hand us coffees and treats, telling us how much they support us, and it means so, so much.”
The strike has garnered widespread attention, not only in Medford but across the state. In Portland, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) organized a solidarity event, bringing together healthcare workers from across Oregon to show their support for the striking nurses.
As the situation continues, the nurses remain firm in their stance, emphasizing that their actions are driven by a need for change to better serve both healthcare professionals and patients. Despite a quieter turnout on the picket line, their resolve and the ongoing community backing signal that the strike could persist until their demands are met.