Medford, OR – After a year of negotiations, the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA) Southern Oregon Providers have successfully secured a first contract for the Providence Medford Emergency Department. The agreement, announced earlier this week, represents a significant achievement for physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and physician assistants (PAs) working in the department.
The terms of the new contract include a 20.7% base wage increase for physicians, substantial pay raises for APRNs and PAs, improved shift differentials, and expanded benefits for continuing education and workplace safety. These changes are seen as a significant step forward in recognizing the hard work and dedication of the emergency department staff.
A vote on the tentative agreement is scheduled for the final week of January. If approved, it will bring much-needed financial and professional improvements for healthcare workers at the facility.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone and serves as a testament to what can be accomplished when employers bargain in good faith and with a genuine commitment to their staff,” the PNWHMA said in a press release.
The successful negotiations highlight a stark contrast with the ongoing nurses’ strike at Providence Medford, where labor disputes have yet to be resolved. The strike, which has been ongoing for several months, has left nurses at odds with hospital management over issues such as pay, staffing levels, and working conditions.
In a show of solidarity, the PNWHMA expressed its support for the striking nurses, emphasizing the importance of fair and respectful negotiations for all healthcare workers. “This achievement serves as a reminder of what is possible when workers’ voices are heard and valued equally,” the statement added.
While the successful contract negotiation for the emergency department is a cause for celebration, it also underscores the continued challenges faced by other healthcare staff at Providence Medford. The contrast between the resolution in the emergency department and the ongoing labor dispute with nurses highlights the ongoing struggle for improved conditions and recognition in the healthcare sector.
As the situation develops, the focus will remain on efforts to resolve the nurses’ strike and ensure that all healthcare workers at Providence Medford receive the support and respect they deserve.