MEDFORD, Ore. — Nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) returned to work at Providence Medford Medical Center on Thursday, bringing an end to what has now become the longest healthcare workers’ strike in Oregon’s history. The strike, which lasted 46 days, concluded following the ratification of new contracts by over 94% of ONA members across eight Providence hospitals in Oregon.
The strike began on January 10th, when ONA and Providence were unable to reach an agreement after protracted negotiations centered on issues such as wages, staffing levels, and healthcare benefits. Tensions escalated during the strike, especially after Providence announced it would cut healthcare benefits for striking nurses at the end of February, a move that reportedly influenced some nurses’ decisions to return to work.
In a brief statement, Providence acknowledged the nurses’ return to their positions. “Union-represented nurses have returned to work at Providence Medford. We’re pleased that the transition went well,” the statement read. However, no ONA nurses were willing to comment on the record when approached by NBC5 News.
The resolution of the strike came after three days of federally mediated bargaining. According to the ONA, the newly ratified contracts include wage increases, unified agreements across 10 bargaining units, and provisions aimed at improving patient care. Additionally, the agreements include a commitment from Providence to work with the ONA on a statewide health benefits work group.
ONA Executive Director Anne Tan Piazza credited Governor Tina Kotek’s intervention for helping facilitate renewed negotiations, which ultimately led to a successful agreement. “While this contract is a major victory, we know that there is still more work to be done,” said Piazza. “Our members are dedicated to continuing the struggle for a more fair, just, patient-centered healthcare system here in Oregon.”
The final contract included a provision for 75% retroactive pay for nurses whose contracts had expired in April 2024, an important point for many workers who had been without a contract for some time.
As the strike comes to a close, the ONA remains committed to continuing its advocacy for improvements in healthcare standards and working conditions across Oregon’s healthcare system.