MEDFORD, Ore. – Striking nurses at Providence Medford Medical Center are facing a looming deadline, as the healthcare provider plans to cut health benefits for 5,000 striking nurses across eight Oregon hospitals. The benefits are set to expire in just 10 days, leaving many workers worried about how they will manage their healthcare needs.
Jennifer Smith, a registered nurse at Providence Medford, spoke out about the impact this will have on her and her colleagues. She revealed that some nurses are already seeking alternative employment to secure health insurance, while others are turning to the Oregon Health Plan as a possible safety net.
“The thought of crossing the picket line is becoming more real for some nurses,” Smith said. “People are scared to lose their health insurance, and with good reason. Many of us rely on our coverage for ongoing medications and treatments. Without it, we don’t know how we’ll afford those costs.”
Smith, who has health issues of her own, expressed her concern about the possibility of losing access to essential medications. “Out of pocket, I don’t know if I can get those medications if I don’t have insurance honestly. There is a lot of concern. What do you do without insurance?”
The strike, which began on January 10th, has been a source of tension between the nurses and Providence Health, as the two sides have struggled to reach an agreement on terms related to wages, staffing, and benefits. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), which represents the striking nurses, has criticized Providence for its decision to cut health benefits during the ongoing labor dispute.
In response to growing pressure, Providence has agreed to return to the bargaining table for mediation sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The hope is that the mediation will provide an opportunity for both sides to find common ground and avert further disruption.
As the strike continues, the fate of 5,000 nurses hangs in the balance. With healthcare coverage a top concern for those on the picket lines, it remains to be seen whether the mediation will bring about a resolution or if the nurses will be left to face the consequences of losing their benefits.