MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY, JAN. 21: Strike Lines Are Stronger Than Ever While Providence Bargains In Bad Faith -01/20/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Bargaining between Providence and 5,000 union represented frontline caregivers is currently underway. Unfortunately, Providence is not taking negotiations seriously, offering proposals that are worse than the proposals it sent before the strike started. Providence is openly acknowledging that its “regressive” proposals are because caregivers went on strike. This is not negotiation; this is punishment for frontline caregivers for exercising their legal right to strike. It is also a violation of federal law and an unfair labor practice. 

On Sunday, Senator Ron Wyden joined striking caregivers on the line at Providence Portland Medical Center and had a clear, direct message for Providence, “I’ve been looking at the bargaining process, and I’m here to tell you, that’s not my definition of good faith.” He went on to say; “This isn’t complicated. It’s about working conditions, fair pay, staffing, and it’s about getting a fair shake in the negotiating process.” 

In response to ONA’s proposals to pay frontline caregivers competitive wages and benefits, Providence said that it’s “financially unsustainable” which stands in stark contrast to the lavish salaries Providence has paid to top executives.  According to public filings, in 2023, more than $177 million was paid to just 164 executives. Among these executives were former CEO, Rod Hochman, who retired at the end of 2024 and made $14.8 million in 2023, and Erik Wexler, who became CEO in 2025, who was previously making $5.2 million a year. 

Senator Wyden also had a few things to say about Providence’s hypocrisy: "They certainly spend a lot of money on very high salaries of executives. Given that they do that, they can make sure that workers like these get a fair shake." 

In addition to the exorbitant salaries of their executives, Providence is paying its replacement nurses more than $25 million a week with some job postings offering replacement nurses $7,000 per week, far more than it pays its regular nurses. 

The nearly 5,000 frontline caregivers across Oregon remain committed to negotiating a fair contract, and we are doing so with the urgency that this situation demands. We call on Providence to engage in meaningful negotiations with the same urgency and seriousness. 

 
This strike will continue to grow until Providence is willing to make the necessary compromises to address the key priorities on safe staffing, patient care, and competitive benefits and wages. It’s time to end this strike, not by punishing frontline caregivers with backwards proposals or rewarding executives with lavish bonuses and salaries, but by coming to the table in good faith and settling a fair contract. 

 
Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:
If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org. 
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FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews. 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 

TUESDAY - FRIDAY, JAN. 21-24: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

For interviews with nurses at other picket locations, contact Peter Starzynski, Starzynski@OregonRN.org, 503-960-7989

Additional dates and events will be shared with media as it becomes available.

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR SATURDAY, JAN. 18: Nurses, Physicians, And Advanced Practice Providers March In Unity; Providence Responds With Regressive Offers (Photo) -01/17/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – On Friday, Jan. 17, more than1000 people gathered at a rally outside Providence Portland Medical Center to show support for striking nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers. In a show of solidarity, the group then marched along NE 47th Ave. to Providence Oregon’s business headquarters on NE Halsey St. Union chants and speakers energized the crowd and reminded them to hold the line and stand up for a fair contract. Video clips of the event are available on ONA’s YouTube channel. 

While Providence continues to claim they are invested in negotiations, the 11 striking bargaining units said the most recent counterproposals are a ‘slap in the face.’ In them, Providence rescinded its offer of ratification bonuses, a violation of federal law, regressive bargaining and an unfair labor practice. It’s clear that Providence cares more about its bottom line than treating its experienced, hard-working caregivers with respect.

 
It's looking to be a busy weekend on the strike lines. While the temperatures may be dropping, striking healthcare workers from the Providence system plan to hold the line. They look forward to welcoming members of other unions and elected officials. 

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:
If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org. 

 
FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:
Schedules are subject to change. Please get in touch with the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews. 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 
SATURDAY, JAN. 18/SUNDAY, JAN. 19: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org

EVENTS
SUNDAY, JAN. 19: 12:30 PM 
• U.S. Senator Ron Wyden Visits Strike Line at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 

Additional dates and events will be shared with media next week. 
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Historic First Contract Reached For Providence Medford Emergency Department Providers, Vote Set For January (Photo) -01/17/25

(MEDFORD, Ore.) - We are proud to announce that after a year of hard-fought negotiations, the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNHWMA) Southern Oregon Providers have achieved a historic first contract for the Providence Medford Emergency Department.

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 contract includes important gains, including a 20.7% base wage increase for physicians, significant pay increases for APRNs and PAs, and enhanced shift differentials, along with additional benefits for continuing education and workplace safety.

A vote on this tentative agreement is scheduled for the last week of January.

This agreement is a powerful example of the difference that respectful and productive negotiations can make. However, this is also a stark contrast to the ongoing strike by the nurses at Providence Medford. These nurses remain on the picket line because Providence has failed to show them the same respect in their contract negotiations. We stand in solidarity with the nurses, and this achievement serves as a reminder of what is possible when workers' voices are heard and valued equally. 

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Providence’s Latest Offers A ‘Slap In The Face’ To Striking Caregivers -01/17/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has reviewed the most recent counterproposals from Providence, and these offers are nothing more than a slap in the face to the nearly 5,000 striking caregivers across the system. 

Providence’s proposals do not show any meaningful movement on the core issues facing our nurses: fair wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions.

But most shocking is that Providence’s proposals have removed ratification bonuses—bonuses that Providence has been touting to the press and in radio ads as an example of their “generous offer” to striking caregivers to settle this dispute.

This is not negotiation; it’s punishment. It is also a violation of federal law, regressive bargaining and an unfair labor practice.

Providence claims publicly they are ready to negotiate but these proposals prove they are not serious about engaging in meaningful dialogue. It’s time to end this strike, not by punishing nurses and doctors with backwards proposals, but by coming to the table in good faith. 

Providence's priorities are crystal clear when you look at their executive compensation. In 2023, more than $177 million was paid to just 164 executives, as reflected in Providence's publicly available financial filings. Among these executives were Rod Hochman, who retired at the end of 2024 and made $14.8 million in 2023, and Erik Wexler, who became CEO in 2025, who was previously making $5.2 million a year. 

The contrast between the lavish pay for those at the top and the struggling conditions for those on the frontlines is a direct reflection of Providence's failure to prioritize its workers and patients over excessive executive pay.

ONA wants to be 100% clear: bargaining is happening.   

We are actively engaged in bargaining right now by exchanging proposals with the employer; in fact, ONA provided counterproposals to Providence within 18 hours. ONA is committed to bargaining in a way that is reflective of the urgency of the moment, and we are open to face-to-face meetings or Zoom sessions as needed to move the process forward, but we are engaged in bargaining now. 

We just need a good faith partner to negotiate with. 

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MEDIA ADVISORY FOR FRIDAY, JAN. 17: Rally Planned Friday To Commemorate Historic Strikes’ First Week -01/16/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Oregon Nurses Association received Providence’s counterproposals on Thursday afternoon while hundreds held the line at Providence hospitals around the state. At Providence St. Vincent, firefighters from IAFF Local 43 hosted a barbeque while other bargaining units received donations of food and snacks to keep them going.  

The proposals received by ONA from Providence do not reflect any meaningful movement on their previous offers or caregivers’ core priorities of safe staffing, market-competitive wages and employee health insurance. Along with the proposals, Providence sent a request for bargaining dates. Both are being reviewed and discussed by the bargaining units. 

Striking workers also congratulated nearly 120 Labcorp laboratory professionals at Providence Portland who filed their intent to form a union. The lab professionals organized with ONA’s sister union, Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP). 

Friday, January 17, 2025, will be a busy day on the line at Providence Portland. At 8 a.m. newly sworn-in Congresswoman Maxine Dexter will meet with striking members. Then at noon, striking nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers from across Oregon will join a unity rally. 

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031) 

Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222) 

Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 

Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)  

Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138) 

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: 

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need. 

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.    

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.  

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FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 
 
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to an ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.  
 
FRIDAY, JAN. 17: 8 AM 

U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter Visits Strike Line at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

FRIDAY, JAN. 17: Noon 

Unity Rally at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

SUNDAY, JAN. 19: 12:30 PM 

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden Visits Strike Line at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

Additional dates and events will be shared as they become available.  

More Than 24 Hours Into Negotiations And Providence Has Yet To Send Any Proposals To ONA -01/16/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - When Providence finally agreed to return to negotiations with nearly 5,000 striking frontline caregivers, the bargaining teams from the Oregon Nurses Association moved quickly and sent proposals to Providence from all 11 bargaining units. More than 24 hours later, and Providence has not responded. 

Providence claims to be ready to resume negotiations but their lack of response and urgency demonstrates they may not be as serious about negotiations as they previously claimed.  

Instead of responding to ONA’s proposals, Providence spent the day trying to divide frontline caregivers with coercive messages about crossing the strike line. The Oregon Nurses Association is calling on Providence to take negotiations seriously so we can reach a fair contract and end this strike. 

The strike lines are strong and getting stronger as frontline caregivers are resolved to reach fair contracts that address the systemic issues facing Providence like chronic understaffing, high turnover rates, and lower standards in patient care. 

ONA’s proposals include language on the following:

Safe Staffing – ONA proposes that each hospital incorporate patient acuity into all units and hospital staffing plans to determine the appropriate number of patients a nurse can be assigned. Nurses caring for patients with higher acuity, who require more attention, should be assigned fewer patients to ensure they can spend more time with those with the greatest need. 
 
Providence, however, has rejected proposals to have acuity factored into staffing plan ratios. This will ultimately limit the amount of time nurses can spend with patients who require the most care and could negatively impact patient outcomes.

Market Competitive Wages – Frontline caregivers are not asking for exorbitant wages; we are asking for market-competitive compensation that recognizes our experience, hard work, and value to the communities we serve. It is crucial to remember that wages are also key to recruitment and retention of staff which, in turn, impacts chronic unsafe staffing conditions that put both patients and healthcare workers at risk. ONA is asking for wage increases that will bring Providence more in line with market leaders.  

It is important to note that these wage offers from Providence, if agreed to, would still mean their frontline caregivers would be far behind the market on wages. Specifically, by 2026, Providence nurses with 15 years of experience would earn approximately $8,000 less annually than their counterparts at OHSU, based on Providence’s current wage offers.    

Employee Health Insurance -– Providence employees can pay upwards of $6,300 dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles while employees at Kaiser, the market leader in employee healthcare, pay only $10 out of pocket for procedures and doctors' visits.  

ONA has proposed lowering health care premiums and copays for employees or an Aetna Impact Fund to make up for the cost increases because of Providences transition to Aetna to manage their employee health insurance. ONA has also proposed a Letter of Agreement to convene a regional task force to explore new ways to provide health insurance to ONA members, including exploring a healthcare trust. 

Providence has rejected any changes to health insurance benefits. 

Media Advisory For Thursday, Jan. 16: Bargaining Units Send Contract Proposals To Providence And Continue Walking The Line Despite Chilly Weather -01/15/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Upon hearing that Providence was ready to restart negotiations with all bargaining units, bargaining team members from 11 striking units submitted proposals late Tuesday through federal mediators. The proposals address the systemic issues impacting Providence hospitals and clinics across the state like chronic understaffing and competitive compensation packages to recruit and retain more staff. Bargaining teams are awaiting a response from Providence. We have not heard a response from Providence, and we hope they are taking this process seriously so we can reach a fair contract. 

Healthcare workers proved once again that even though they are off the job, they aren’t off duty. On Wednesday, nurses and hospitalists at Providence St. Vincent took part in an all-day mobile blood drive across from the hospital. Another blood donation event will take place on Monday, Jan. 20 and is an opportunity to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr.  

On Thursday, Jan. 16, firefighters from Local 43 will host a barbecue at Providence St. Vincent. This will be the second time firefighters have shown support for striking nurses. The last time was June 2024, when nurses held a three-day limited-duration strike followed by a two-day picket because of an illegal lockout by Providence.  

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031) 

Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222) 

Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 

Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)  

Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138) 

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: 

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need. 

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.    

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.  
 

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FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 
 
Schedules are subject to change. Please contact the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.  

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES  
 
THURSDAY, JAN. 16: 8 – 9:30 AM 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) - Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org 

THURSDAY, JAN. 16: 11 AM – 1 PM 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

Additional dates and events will be shared with media members as they are available.  

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15: Providence Says Its Ready To Bargain; Nurses, Physicians And Other Caregivers Continue To Hold The Line (Photo) -01/14/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Another day of strong strike lines as nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates and certified nurse midwives held the line at eight Providence hospitals. That pressure combined with community and elected support resulted in Providence announcing that it is ready to get back to bargaining – with all 11 bargaining units. Providence has been spending an estimated $25.39 million per week on replacement nurses - approximately $1,400 per replacement nurse per day. This does not include the immeasurable cost of the replacement hospitalists and other caregivers from Providence St. Vincent and the Providence Women’s Clinics. Healthcare workers remain united and committed to negotiating in good faith to secure fair contracts and improve care for their patients. This strike is about achieving lasting, meaningful change for workers and patients alike.

Always willing to help where they can, on Wednesday nurses and hospitalists at Providence St. Vincent will participate in an all-day mobile blood drive across from the hospital. Those who organized the event felt that it was a small way to help the community, especially since the country is in the middle of a shortage.  

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:
If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org. 
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FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews. 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15: 8 – 10 AM
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

THURSDAY, JAN. 16: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) - Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

Additional dates and events will be shared with media members as they are available. 

Statement From ONA On Providence Finally Returning To The Bargaining Table -01/14/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - We are happy that Providence has finally decided to do the right thing and join the nearly 5,000 striking frontline caregivers at the bargaining table to move this process forward in order to reach a fair contract and end the strike.

Clearly, the pressure from the strike is working. As 5,000 frontline caregivers picket on sidewalks across Oregon, Providence has been spending an estimated $25.39 million per week on replacement nurses - approximately $1,400 per replacement nurse per day. This does not include the immeasurable cost of the replacement hospitalists and other caregivers from Providence St. Vincent and the Providence Women’s Clinics. 

After illegally refusing to bargain during the 10-day notice period, Providence has shifted its position on negotiations dramatically over the last few days. As we move back into negotiations, we call on Providence to take this process seriously, come to the table with substantive offers to address the systemic issues that impact hospitals and clinics across Oregon and reach a fair contract that prioritizes patients and frontline caregivers instead of profits. 

5,000 frontline caregivers from eight hospitals and six clinics across Oregon went on strike for reasons beyond fair compensation, but a systemic crisis affecting patient care, staffing safety, health insurance benefits, and healthcare delivery. At the core of negotiation will be key issues that include: 

• Resolution of systemic unsafe staffing issues documented across facilities 
• Addressing health insurance and benefits disparities 
• Implementation of necessary patient safety measures 
• Market-competitive wages that will attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals. 

Frontline caregivers are not asking for much and not asking for exorbitant wages; they are asking for market-competitive compensation that recognizes their experience, hard work, and value. Providence is notoriously behind other healthcare systems in Oregon when it comes to wages and benefits which directly impacts their ability to recruit and retain enough staff. 

As an example, despite the numbers that Providence likes to tell the press, based on their last proposal, by 2026 Providence nurses with 15 years of experience would earn approximately $8,000 less annually than the market-setting wages at OHSU.  

Similarly, the severity of the system-wide staffing crisis is clearly documented in the 305 unsafe staffing complaints filed against Providence facilities in 2024 alone. The completed investigations have revealed troubling patterns of violations across multiple facilities. In their most recent proposals on staffing, Providence is attempting to exclude the nurses delivering care from providing input into how their units are staffed, treating patients as simply numbers rather than unique individuals with specific care needs. Doing so puts patients at greater risk for harm and nurses at increased risk for burnout. And burnt-out nurses leave, further perpetuating the staffing crisis. 

In the coming days, ONA will release more information on the details of our proposals. 

Providence faces a choice: continue investing millions in temporary strike-breaking measures or work collaboratively with frontline caregivers to take bargaining seriously and develop comprehensive solutions that will strengthen healthcare delivery across all their facilities to better serve the people of Oregon. 

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Media Advisory For Tuesday, Jan. 14: Strike Lines At Providence Are Larger, Louder, Longer Entering Second Full Week Of Historic Caregivers’ Strike (Photo) -01/13/25

(Portland, Ore.) –  Monday featured some of the largest and loudest strike lines yet as nearly 5,000 nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, certified nurse midwives and other healthcare professionals continued standing strong for patients and providers.

Striking Providence providers were joined on the line by local and national allies—including national healthcare entertainer and advocate Nurse Blake—who support caregivers’ work to ensure Providences invests in patient safety, safe staffing, and competitive wages and benefits as part of fair contracts for its frontline healthcare workers.

Despite Providence’s public statements about being “ready to negotiate,” ONA has received no communication from Providence regarding new proposals or invitations to bargain.

If Providence is serious about resolving this strike, they need to stop the posturing and start engaging in good faith. Picking up the phone would be a good start.

The issues driving this strike are not isolated or unit-specific; they are systemic and impact healthcare workers and patients across all Providence facilities. Unsafe staffing, non-competitive wages, and poor health insurance benefits are widespread problems. Caregivers are being asked to do more with less, leaving less time for patients—a situation that hurts everyone.

Healthcare workers remain united and committed to negotiating in good faith to secure fair contracts and improve care for their patients. This strike is about achieving lasting, meaningful change for workers and patients alike.

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

###

FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:

Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 

TUESDAY, JAN. 14: 11 AM – 1 PM

• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) - Russell Sanders, 503-419-7643 
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15: 11 AM – 1 PM

• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) - Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

Additional dates and events will be shared with media members later this week. 

PNWHMA Response To Unfair Labor Practice Filed By Providence -01/13/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Providence’s accusations against the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA) are categorically false and also represent the height of irony. 

Providence has consistently refused to negotiate and now has the audacity to complain that these hospitalists did not meet often enough.

Hospitalists have engaged in good faith negotiations from the beginning and remain committed to reaching a fair agreement. 

Providence’s refusal to address systemic failures continues to derail progress towards an end to this strike. Instead of blaming its caregivers, Providence should focus on resolving the very issues that have driven its own employees to strike in the first place.

ONA Statement: Stop The Posturing - Providence Must Take Real Action To Solve The Systemic Crisis -01/13/25

Providence’s recent statements about coming back to the table are, frankly, baffling.  

Despite repeated claims over the past 24 hours about “being ready to negotiate” with our members at Providence Medford Medical Center and Providence Newberg Medical Center, ONA has received no communication from either Providence or the mediators with an invitation to bargain, no information on any new proposals, and no meaningful steps to resolve this strike.  

If Providence truly wants to make progress, they need to stop posturing and start engaging in good faith.  

They could start by picking up a phone.  

It is crucial for Oregonians to understand that the issues driving this strike are not isolated to any one hospital, nor are they unit-specific—they are systemic. Unsafe staffing is a problem everywhere. Non-competitive wages and poor health insurance benefits are a problem everywhere. Caregivers spending less time with patients, and being asked to do more with less, is a problem everywhere. 

Providence’s calculated strategy to cherry-pick which bargaining units they will engage with is not only counterproductive but is also a cynical attempt to pit one hospital against another. This approach ignores the reality that the challenges our members face exist at all Providence facilities and, most importantly, impact all of the patients we care for. 

Our bargaining teams are finalizing proposals that address these systemic issues - across all units and all facilities. Our focus is on resolving the strike and that means securing real improvements across the entire system – not just the hospitals that Providence wants to discuss, but all our units.  

It’s time for Providence to stop with the delay tactics, stop trying to divide healthcare workers, and start addressing the root causes of the crisis they created. 

###

Media Advisory For Jan. 13: Historic Providers' Strike Continues Monday At All 8 Providence Hospitals Across Oregon (Photo) -01/12/25

• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) - Russell Sanders, 503-419-7643 

Press Contact for Providence Medford Medical Center - Peter Starzynski, Starzynski@OregonRN.org, 503-960-7989

• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) - Russell Sanders, 503-419-7643 
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

Press Contact for Providence Medford Medical Center - Peter Starzynski, Starzynski@OregonRN.org, 503-960-7989
 

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR SUNDAY, JAN. 12: Solidarity Rally Unites; Providence Announces It Will Bargain With Some Units, But Not Others (Photo) -01/11/25

(Portland, Ore.) – While hundreds of nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers and certified nurse midwives held down the picket lines at eight Providence facilities across Oregon, almost 500 people turned out for a solidarity rally at the Oregon Convention Center.  

Rally speakers included AFT President Randi Weingarten, AFL-CIO National President Liz Schuler, Senator Jeff Merkley, and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, they were joined by Oregon state representatives, members of striking bargaining units and other labor leaders. Speakers reminded the striking workers that they have national support and they are fighting the good fight. “They [Providence] wouldn’t even bargain in good faith until we did something we didn’t want to do, so we need to send them this message ‘one day longer, one day stronger,’” said AFT President Weingarten. Watch the rally on ONA’s Facebook page. 

In a news release sent late Saturday morning, Providence announced they were ready to resume bargaining with nurses at Newberg and Milwaukie today. However, members of the bargaining units heard about the announcement through news media and did not receive a notification through formal mediation channels. As ONA had repeatedly stated, we are ready to bargain any time and any place, and we expect Providence to take mediation seriously by offering proposals that do not resemble those from before the strike. Read the full ONA response.  

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031) 
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222) 
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)  
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138) 

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: 

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need. 

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.    

### 

FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 
 
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.  

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES  
 

SUNDAY, JAN. 12: 11 AM - 1 PM  

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 
Kevin Mealy, 765 760 2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

MONDAY, JAN. 13: 11 AM – 1 PM 

Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 
Russell Sanders, 503-419-7643  

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 
Peter Starzynski, 503-960-7989, Starzynski@OregonRN.org OR Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org 

TUESDAY, JAN. 14: 11 AM – 1 PM 

Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)  
Russell Sanders, 503-419-7643  

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 
Peter Starzynski, 503-960-7989, Starzynski@OregonRN.org OR Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org 

Additional dates and events will be shared with media next week.  

ONA Statement On Providence Offering To Bargain With Newberg And Medford -01/11/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - We found out that Providence wants to return to the bargaining table with nurses at Providence Newberg and Providence Medford through the press and not through mediators or from Providence themselves. We hope that next time, they can just pick up the phone and call us.

This means that Providence is feeling the pressure from 5,000 frontline caregivers launching the largest healthcare strike in Oregon history and elected officials all across Oregon calling on them to return to the bargaining table. 

Their statements and excuses on why they will not bargain with certain bargaining units remain inconsistent, disingenuous, and contradictory. While Providence is highlighting the small percentage of caregivers who reported for work —a number no one can independently confirm—the overwhelming majority, nearly 90% of our members according to their figures, have chosen to stand together on the picket lines. We’re also hearing from some members who initially crossed the line and are now reaching out to join the strike. If the strike lines get even bigger, does this mean Providence will not be able to bargain again?

If Providence finally agrees to come back to the bargaining table with all of our members, they need to take bargaining seriously and make proposals that do not look like their proposals from before the strike. True bargaining means an intentional effort to reach a fair contract that addresses core issues of chronic understaffing, patient safety, and competitive wages and benefits including stopping cuts to employee healthcare.

Media Advisory: ONA Solidarity Event For Striking Providence Healthcare Workers; Saturday Jan. 11 At 1 P.m. - Livestream Added -01/11/25

ONA Solidarity Event for Striking Providence Healthcare Workers

LIVESTREAM
The event will be livestreamed on Facebook here.

https://www.facebook.com/events/959899232703151?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D 
 

WHAT
A gathering of ONA members, elected officials and advocates to support the nearly 5,000 Oregon nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, midwives, and other healthcare professionals, demanding fair contracts, safe staffing, and better patient care. The event will feature prominent speakers from labor, government, and healthcare sectors, highlighting the urgent need for change in Oregon’s healthcare system. 

WHEN

Saturday, January 11, 2025 
1– 2 PM

WHERE

Oregon Ballroom 201
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97232 

WHO:

Confirmed speakers include: 

• AFT President Randi Weingarten 

• AFL-CIO National President Liz Shuler 

• Senator Jeff Merkley 

• Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici 

• Congresswoman Andrea Salinas 

• Ree Armitage, Senator Ron Wyden’s Office 

• Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor 

• Tamie Cline, President, Oregon Nurses Association 

• Rep. Rob Nosse, District 42, Portland 

• Rep. Travis Nelson, District 44, Portland 

• Anne Tan Piazza, Executive Director, Oregon Nurses Association 

• David Keepnews, Executive Director, Washington State Nurses Association 

• Caroline Allison, Providence Medford 

• Tracey Hutkowski, Providence Seaside 

• Dr. Jen Lincoln, Hospitalist 

• Virginia Smith, Providence Willamette Falls 

PRESS INFORMATION:

• Press arrival: No later than 12:45 PM. Arrival after this time means we are unable to guarantee access to the press area.  

• Designated press pool: A dedicated area with an audio feed of the rally program will be available for media. 

• Post-event interviews: 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: President Weingarten, President Shuler, Congresswoman Bonamici, Congresswoman Salinas, and ONA member leaders will be available for interview at the conclusion of the scheduled speeches. 

• Note: due to ongoing RSV, respiratory and norovirus infections, masking for this event is strongly recommended. 

PRESS EVENT CONTACTS:

Myrna Jensen, Communications Specialist, ONA - jensen@oregonrn.org, 907-350-6260 

Scott Palmer, Chief of Staff, ONA - palmer@oregonrn.org, 503 516 4840 

PARKING INFORMATION:

The Oregon Convention Center will host several events that day. Please allow extra time for parking. 

For Press Parking Questions: Contact Cheri Robert, Parking and Dock Manager, Oregon Convention Center, 971-930-3777 or cherirobert@oregoncc.org. 

###

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR SATURDAY, JAN. 11: Providence Fails To Stop Largest Healthcare Workers Strike And First Physicians Strike In Oregon History (Photo) -01/10/25

(Portland, Ore.) – Thousands of Providence nurses from across eight hospitals joined picket lines, some coming straight from their work shifts early Friday to begin day one of the largest healthcare strike in Oregon history. Joining the nurses on the strike lines were hospitalists from Providence St. Vincent and physicians, nurses, certified nurse midwives and nurse practitioners from Providence Women’s Clinic.  

Despite the typical rainy January weather, spirits were high as picket signs were lifted. Representatives from other unions including Teamsters, OFNHP, AFSCME and ILWU joined in support of the healthcare workers.   

Earlier today, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement chiding Providence for not bargaining during the 10-day notice period, stating; “Providence wasted 10 days when they could have been at the table making progress towards a comprehensive resolution of their labor dispute.” The Governor added that hospital staff needed a fair contract and that it was urgent that all parties return to negotiations and reach a deal. 

Read the full statement here. 

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031) 

Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222) 

Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 

Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)  

Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138) 

FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 
 
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.  

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES  

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 
Contact Peter Starzynski to setup interviews, 503-960-7989, Starzynski@OregonRN.org 

SATURDAY, JAN. 11: 10 AM – NOON 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907 350 6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 
Kevin Mealy, 765 760 2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031) 
Bobbi Nodell, 206-639-1708  

Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138) 
Ruth Schubert, 206-713-7884  

SATURDAY, JAN. 11: 1 –2:00 PM

Solidarity Rally; 2 – 2:30 PM Media Availability at Convention Center 

The Oregon Convention Center - Oregon Ballroom 201 (777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97232)  
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org   
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org  

SUNDAY, JAN. 12: 11 AM - 1 PM  

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

MONDAY, JAN. 13: 11 AM – 1 PM 

Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 
Russell Sanders, 503-419-7643  

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 
Peter Starzynski, 503-960-7989, Starzynski@OregonRN.org OR Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org 

TUESDAY, JAN. 14: 11 AM – 1 PM 

Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)  
Russell Sanders, 503-419-7643  

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 
Peter Starzynski, 503-960-7989, Starzynski@OregonRN.org OR Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org 

Additional dates and events will be shared with media next week.  

### 

Media Advisory For Friday, Jan. 10: Largest Healthcare Strike And First Physicians Strike In Oregon History Begins At 6 A.m. -01/09/25

News Conference: With Strike Deadline Looming, Union-Represented Caregivers From Providence To Discuss Preparations -01/09/25

Pressure Mounts On Providence To Bargain With Their 5,000 Striking Frontline Caregivers (Photo) -01/08/25

PORTLAND, Ore. – Less than 48 hours from the largest healthcare strike in Oregon history, pressure is mounting on Providence, who still refuses to bargain with more than 95% of their nearly 5,000 employees. The healthcare strike in Oregon will impact 8 hospitals and 6 clinics across the state of Oregon. 

Elected officials are publicly calling on Providence to return to the table. The Speaker of the Oregon House, Rep. Julie Fahey and the Senate President, Rob Wagener were the two most recent elected officials to contact Providence executives in a letter (linked above). Citing “negative consequences for patients, caregivers, and Oregonians as a whole”, the two legislative leaders wrote that “We’re asking Providence executives to agree to return to the bargaining table and reengage in the process in good faith.” 

The letter comes on the heels of multiple members of congress calling on Providence to bargain including Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Jeff Merkley, Representative Suzanne Bonamici, Representative Andrea Salinas and Representative Earl Blumenauer. 

A group of Women’s Healthcare Associates OB-GYNs and Certified Nurse-Midwives wrote a letter to Providence leadership calling on them to get back to the bargaining table (full letter below) writing “[OB Hospitalists] go above and beyond, staying to help care for these patients even when they are not being paid to do so.” They went on to write: “Similarly, we cannot provide the care that we do without our team of nurses. Replacing them with strike-breaking nurses who are unfamiliar with our protocols and providers will jeopardize the safety of our patients at Providence.” 

While Providence has publicly claimed to be willing to negotiate with their doctors, their latest offer had minimal substantive changes from their previous proposals.

Some striking workers have been negotiating with Providence for more than 15 months and have been working without contracts for more than a year. ONA has been clear from the beginning: we will continue to be available to bargain with Providence on behalf of our 5,000 members to avert the strike or end the strike. 

Providence needs to get serious about negotiations, return to the table, and settle fair contracts for their frontline caregivers. 

Letter from a group of Women’s Healthcare Associates OB-GYNs and Certified Nurse-Midwives to Providence leadership calling on them to get back to the bargaining table

January 7, 2025
 
Dear Dr. Raymond Moreno, Dr. Benjamin Leblanc, Dr. Judy Marvin, Rachel Blackburn, and Jennifer Burrows:
 
As Women’s Healthcare Associates OB-GYNs and Certified Nurse-Midwives caring for our patients at Providence St. Vincent, we are writing to urge you to return to the bargaining table with nurses, hospitalists, and Providence Women’s Clinic providers to avoid the upcoming strike. 

We rely on our team of nurses and OB hospitalists in order to provide safe care to our patients. The OB hospitalists are integral to our patients’ care in emergencies. They go above and beyond, staying to help care for these patients even when they are not being paid to do so. Furthermore, the hospitalists help us focus on acute patients by evaluating triage patients on labor and delivery. They are absolutely essential to the care of our patients. Similarly, we cannot provide the care that we do without our team of nurses. Replacing them with strike-breaking nurses who are unfamiliar with our protocols and providers will jeopardize the safety of our patients at Providence. 

We are extremely concerned about the lack of adequate replacement providers should the strike occur. At WHA, we already care for a high volume of high-acuity patients, and placing the burden on us and other non-Providence practices to care for an additional volume of patients is unreasonable and unsafe. This increases the risk of poor outcomes for all of our patients, and it can be easily avoided.

The best option for the health and safety of our patients and our community is to resume negotiations with ALL nurses, hospitalists and providers to avoid this strike. Providence has the power to avoid the harm that will inevitably result if it occurs. As an organization providing health care, you have a moral obligation to put patient care and safety first, and a legal obligation to return to the bargaining table. Return and bargain in good faith so that lives are not at stake.
 
Sincerely, 
 
Brooke Andrews, MD
Jennifer Bishop, CNM
Reid Bondurant, CNM
Thomas Brennan, MD
Rhonda Chick, CNM
Kendra Elliotgreen, CNM
Sarah Fausel, MD
Cassie Hodge, CNM
Angela Kondrat, MD
Megan Lewis, CNM
Michelle Monnie, MD
Joana Nam, MD
Kara Richardson, MD
Ashlee Walter, CNM

###

ONA Statement On Providence's Claims Regarding Strike Negotiations -01/06/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Providence’s claims about an “all-or-nothing” approach by the nearly 5,000 union-represented caregivers are categorically false. ONA has been fully engaged in the bargaining process, providing counterproposals on the rare occasion that Providence brings meaningful offers to the table. Unfortunately, Providence has refused to bargain with all the nearly 5,000 frontline caregivers who are getting ready to go on strike, choosing instead to stall on critical issues that impact patient care and worker safety. 

Providence’s suggestion that the strike poses a “significant risk” to community health is a dangerous distortion of the facts. The real threat to communities across Oregon is Providence’s chronic understaffing and failure to prioritize investments in frontline caregivers. These systemic issues, not this strike, are the root cause of reduced access to care for Oregonians. Earlier today, ONA released the findings from a survey that showed more than 90% of Providence patients reported having a negative experience at a Providence facility in the past three years while 92% of patients reported they support striking nurses and healthcare providers at Providence.

Providence made last-minute proposals today for hospitalists and clinics, showing minimal substantive movement after a week of silence and inaction. They also remain silent on all nurse contracts. ONA is already preparing counterproposals. 

True progress requires sustained, good-faith negotiations at all bargaining tables, not eleventh-hour gestures or hyperbolic public statements to the press. 

Our members—nurses, physicians, and health care workers, the people on the frontlines of healthcare —are striking to demand safe staffing, fair contracts, and the resources needed to deliver the quality care Oregonians deserve. ONA remains committed to working toward solutions at the bargaining table and urges Providence to stop its fearmongering and dishonest accusations and start engaging meaningfully in negotiations. 

That’s how this strike can be averted. 

###

Oregonians Share Frustrations With Providence In New Survey; Show Support For Caregivers’ Strike -01/06/25

More than 90% of patients reported a negative experience with Providence while 92% support union nurses and doctors striking to improve care. 

Embargoed: Thousands Of Legacy Nurses Take Historic Step Toward Unionization With Oregon Nurses Association -01/06/25

Union Providers Respond To Providence And Demand To Bargain For All 5,000 Striking Caregivers -01/03/25

• Commitment to staffing and hiring based on patient needs.
• Reasonable workloads to ensure adequate patient care and safe surgeries.
• Improve the recruitment and retention of providers and RNs through equitable compensation.
• Preserving vital services by avoiding sales to for-profit private equity firms that harm patient outcomes.

• Hayley Hirt, CNM
• Charlie Saltalamacchia, MD
• Heather Wilson, CNM
• Diana Gill, MD

• Lena Hillenburg, MD
• Gabe Hyder, MD
• Lesley Liu, MD
• Jahnavi Chandrashekar, MD
• Jeremiah Wright, APP
• Shirley Fox, MD
• Shekhar Ojha, MD
• Robert Fojtasek, MD

Inconsistent, Disingenuous, And Contradictory; Providence Can't Be Trusted -01/02/25

In multiple statements earlier this week, Providence claimed they couldn’t bargain because of the overwhelming burden of having to “recruit and orient” temporary workers.  

Now, under significant public pressure - including from elected officials and the Oregon Nurses Association’s (ONA) public campaign - they suddenly announce to the press they are ready to meet only with the caregivers of their choosing.  

It is important to note that this shift comes conveniently after ONA called on elected officials to intervene and filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB over Providence’s illegal refusal to bargain.

Are they too busy to negotiate? Are they not? They aren’t too busy to negotiate with the workers they can’t replace, but they are too busy to negotiate with the workers they claim they can?  

Inconsistent. Disingenuous. Contradictory.  

Providence has ignored workers’ calls to negotiate for months – in some cases more than 15 months - even as other hospitals in Oregon and across the country have reached agreements with their healthcare workers to prevent strikes.

If Providence truly cared about the community or their workers, they would return to the mediation process they walked away from last week or agree to the requests to bargain we sent them directly from all our chief negotiators at each of our tables.  

Caregivers won’t be divided by these calculated moves, and no one should believe Providence’s shifting excuses.  

Oregon Nurses And Doctors Message To Elected Officials: Providence Executives Endanger Patients By Illegally Refusing To Bargain; Workers Willing To Meet "Anytime, Anywhere" -01/02/25

PORTLAND, Ore. – On Thursday, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) called on elected officials to intervene as Providence Health & Services continues illegally refusing to bargain with its healthcare workers; putting patients’ health and safety at risk ahead of a massive 5,000 healthcare worker strike Jan. 10.     

ONA has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Providence, citing its illegal refusal to bargain and asking local, state, and national elected officials to urge Providence executives to return to the table in order to reach a fair agreement for all Oregonians.  

Providence’s refusal to meet with its own workers is illegal and far out of step with its corporate peers. Other Oregon hospitals and health systems, including Kaiser Permanente and St. Charles Bend, successfully met with healthcare workers and resolved negotiated contracts in the final days before scheduled strikes in 2021 and 2023 respectively. In recent years, ten California hospitals and health systems have also reached similar agreements in the 10 days prior to strikes. Multiple hospitals and health systems in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois have all continued talks with frontline healthcare workers in the leadup to strikes and successfully reached agreements that prevented strikes from occurring. 

Jan. 2, 2025 

AN OPEN LETTER TO OREGON’S ELECTED LEADERS 

Providence is putting patients at risk by illegally refusing to bargain with nearly 5,000 union-represented frontline caregivers.  

On January 10, thousands of Oregon’s most trusted nurses, physicians and caregivers will lead an open-ended strike—the largest healthcare workers’ strike in state history. This unparalleled action will affect all 8 Providence hospitals in Oregon as well as 6 Providence Women’s Clinics. It will impact Oregonians throughout the Portland metro area, on the Coast, in the Gorge, in Southern Oregon and beyond.  

For the first time in our state’s history, frontline nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, and midwives throughout the Providence system have voted to stand together to win fair contracts that will give patients more time with their doctors and healthcare providers; promote safe staffing; end cuts to employees’ healthcare; and provide competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain essential frontline nurses and caregivers.  

Five thousand frontline healthcare providers are ready and willing to sacrifice to protect our patients and our colleagues—but striking is not our first choice.  

Many nurses and healthcare professionals have been bargaining with Providence for more than 15 months and working without a contract for a year. We are disheartened by Providence’s stalling tactics but energized and ready to stand up for patients and communities across Oregon. We have offered to meet with Providence executives anywhere and anytime to negotiate a fair agreement and avert a strike. 

Unfortunately, Providence executives are refusing to continue negotiations with us—making a resolution impossible and putting patients at risk. Refusing to meet with their workers to bargain is in direct violation of federal law and out of step with their peers; including Oregon hospitals and health systems like Kaiser Permanente and St. Charles Bend which worked hard to negotiate successful contracts and avert strikes during 10-day strike notice periods. We have filed an unfair labor practice charge against Providence with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for illegally refusing to bargain, however an NLRB decision will likely come too late to bring Providence back to the table.  

As Oregon’s elected leaders, we call on you to urge Providence executives to return to the bargaining table and come to a fair agreement. If they refuse, we ask you to deny Providence public funds for illegal strikebreaking efforts—including hiring unlawful strikebreakers, locking out healthcare workers, and illegally refusing to bargain. Taxpayer dollars cannot support illegal activities that endanger patients while enriching executives.   

Make no mistake. Oregon’s healthcare providers would rather be at the bedside caring for patients than in the streets striking for them. But we will do what is necessary to reach a fair agreement that delivers on its promises to patients, providers and our communities. Together, we can hold Providence accountable and ensure every Oregonian receives the care they deserve.  
 
Sincerely,  

Anne Tan Piazza 
ONA Executive Director 

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ONA Files An Unfair Labor Practice Against Providence For Its Refusal To Bargain During The 10-Day Strike Notice Period -12/31/24

(Portland, Ore.) - Executives from Providence Health responded to the ten-day strike notice sent by nearly 5,000 caregivers On December 30, 2024, with a slew of misleading claims, even going so far as to try to shame their frontline employees for wanting wages and benefits that are competitive with other health systems.  

In what is perhaps their most misleading claim, Providence executives said they would stop bargaining with their frontline caregivers because they have to “prepare for the strike.” Yet, in the same breath, they also claimed they had been preparing for the strike for months.  

Providence is a $30 billion dollar corporation that employs high-priced attorneys to bargain their contracts. Do Providence executives really think that Oregonians are going to believe that the attorneys who bargain their contracts are going to be recruiting replacement nurses to work at the bedside?  

Their preposterous and contradictory claims are misleading, dangerous, and illegal. 

That is why earlier today, ONA filed an unfair labor practice with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for Providence’s refusal to bargain. Not only is it illegal for them to declare they are not bargaining because of the 10-day strike notice, but it is also irresponsible and not in the best interests of their caregivers or patients.  

There is no way to stop the strike before it starts if Providence refuses to bargain. 

ONA is calling on Providence to stop its misleading rhetoric and come meet with us to reach an agreement on fair contracts before the strike even starts. 

Our members want Providence to invest in safe staffing, allow physicians and other caregivers more time with patients, stop making cuts to employee healthcare, and offer competitive wages and benefits to stop the high turnover of frontline caregivers.  

We are looking for a deal. Where is Providence? 

Media Availability: Largest Healthcare Strike And First Physicians Strike In Oregon History To Begin January 10 -12/30/24

Oregon Nurses Association And Providence Met For Mediation After “Cooling Off” Period Ended, Still No Deal -12/27/24

Another Day Without A Deal Moves Providence Doctors And Nurses One Day Closer To A Strike -12/24/24

After Five Days Of Mediation, Providence Fails To Reach Agreement With Nearly 5,000 Frontline Doctors, Nurses And Other Caregivers -12/23/24

“Cooling-off period” ends December 26, opening the door for strike notice issuance  

(Portland, Ore.) - Despite five days of intense expedited mediation, Providence Health & Services failed to reach a contract agreement with nearly 5,000 frontline doctors, nurses and other caregivers, represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), at 11 hospitals and clinics across Oregon. The expedited mediation process ended on Friday, December 20, 2024, without a deal and the parties entered a five-day “cooling-off” period during which strike notices cannot be issued. ONA and Providence will be back at the table today.

After the cooling-off period concludes on Thursday, December 26, ONA will be free to escalate further actions, including issuing a 10-day strike notice, if a deal is not reached.  

Last week’s intensive mediation marks another chapter in a prolonged negotiation process that, for some units, has dragged on for more than 15 months. Providence’s refusal to address critical concerns such as dangerous understaffing, patient safety, and competitive wages and benefits, has stalled progress and forced healthcare workers to consider all options to protect their patients and their professions.  

ONA has been clear; we are ready to bargain for a fair contract at any time but, if Providence is unwilling to address the serious concerns of our members, we will go on strike.  

The caregivers affected by Providence’s inaction include doctors, nurses, physician associates, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners (among others) working at Providence Portland, Seaside, St. Vincent, Providence Women’s Clinic, Milwaukie, Willamette Falls, Medford, Newberg, and Hood River. Physicians and advanced practice providers at Providence St. Vincent, represented by the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA) and serviced by ONA, are also part of these negotiations.  

ONA’s members have done everything possible to reach a fair agreement that ensures patient safety, adheres to Oregon’s staffing law, and provides competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain staff. Providence has ignored its responsibilities to caregivers and the Oregonians they serve by refusing to make meaningful movement towards a fair contract.  

Community members who want to support these frontline caregivers can visit oregonrn.org/patientsbeforeprofits to learn more about the ongoing negotiations and stay informed about potential next steps, including a strike.