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Nurses At WVMC Win New Contract That Strengthens Patient Care And Protects Community Health (Photo) -03/17/25

(McMINNVILLE, Ore.) – The 130 frontline nurses at Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) voted to approve a new contract March 14. The three-year agreement will improve safety for patients and providers, enhance caregiver recruitment and retention, and strengthen the hospital’s ability to serve its community. 

Registered nurses at WVMC are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

 

“This agreement is a victory for nurses and patients throughout the Willamette Valley. This is our community’s hospital. Nurses fought for this contract because this is our home—we treat our families, friends and neighbors here and we want our care to be the best it can be,” said Katie Quinlan, a registered nurse at Willamette Valley Medical Center and ONA bargaining team member. “Together, we’ve worked to ensure fair wages, improve safety and provide competitive benefits so the hospital can recruit, retain and sustain the caregivers our community counts on. This agreement establishes a strong foundation we can continue building on to create a brighter future for our hospital and our community.”

 

The agreement includes key provisions that will benefit local patients and healthcare workers, including:

  • Competitive Wage Increases between 28-32% over the next three years to help recruit and retain the skilled, compassionate nurses our community depends on and ensure local patients receive the highest standards of care.
  • Stronger Safety & Security Protections that improve incident reporting, response and staffing to prevent workplace violence and create a safe environment for providers, patients and their families. 
  • Guarantees on Health Insurance and Retirement which cap premium increases at 9% annually to make healthcare more affordable for nurses and their families and a competitive retirement contribution match to keep caregivers at WMVC for the duration of their careers.  

Throughout negotiations, nurses emphasized these improvements will raise standards for patients and enhance their community’s quality of care. By securing this new contract, nurses can now focus on what matters most—caring for patients.

 

The nurses at WVMC are deeply grateful to the community for its steadfast support for providers throughout the bargaining process. Our combined efforts have helped ensure WVMC remains a place where patients can go to receive top-quality care from dedicated, experienced nurses.

 

Nurses previous contract expired Sept. 24, 2024. The new agreement is in effect until June 23, 2027.

 

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ONA: Trump Education Cuts Threaten Oregon’s Healthcare Future -03/12/25

(Portland, Ore.) — The Trump administration's reckless decision to slash the U.S. Department of Education's workforce by nearly 50% is a direct attack on Oregon's healthcare system and workforce. These drastic cuts will undermine education and training for nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and a wide range of other healthcare professionals, saddle future health workers with crushing debt, and block efforts to build a stronger, more diverse healthcare workforce in Oregon. This is not just an attack on educationit is an attack on the health and well-being of every Oregonian.

 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) calls on the Trump administration to immediately reverse these irresponsible and dangerous cuts. Congress and the public must oppose these cuts and protect programs that support healthcare education and student aid. We cannot afford to let Oregon's healthcare system be collateral damage in Trump’s reckless political agenda. Investing in healthcare education is investing in every Oregonians' health and safety.

 

Oregon’s healthcare education programs are already stretched beyond capacity. Nursing programs, for example, are only able to accept 1 in 4 qualified applicants and need a 70% increase in enrollment, about 1,000 additional graduates per year, to meet the state’s needs, according to the Oregon Employment Department (2024). Federal cuts will choke off critical support for all healthcare education programs, stalling efforts to expand capacity and worsening Oregon’s dangerous healthcare workforce shortage. 

 

The Department of Education plays a vital role in overseeing and distributing federal funding to higher education institutions, including grants that support programs for nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Cuts to staffing and threats to dismantle the department will delay processing of federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and support for low-income students pursuing nursing and medical degrees. This will block access to education and contribute to Oregon's growing shortage of healthcare professionals.

 

Additionally, federal programs supporting Graduate Medical Education (GME), though primarily funded through Medicare, rely on federal student loans to support medical residents and fellows. Disruptions to federal loan processing due to Education Department staffing cuts will make it harder for medical graduates to afford or complete residencies, particularly in rural Oregon where care access is already fragile.

 

According to a recent article in the Washington Post (2025), the administration’s proposal to eliminate Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) represents an attack on healthcare workers who dedicate their careers to public service. Oregon nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and other health professionals who serve in nonprofits, public hospitals, and rural clinics rely on PSLF to make education affordable. Eliminating PSLF will leave thousands of Oregon healthcare workers drowning in debt, reducing incentives to work in public or rural sectors and worsening care shortages. The Department of Education oversees $1.6 trillion in federal student loan debt, according to the Education Data Initiative (2024). Gutting the workforce responsible for managing these loans will result in processing delays, errors, and confusion, adding stress and financial insecurity for Oregon’s future healthcare professionals.

 

Oregon hospitals and clinics are already facing a staffing disaster. A 2023 survey by ONA found that 99% of Oregon healthcare professionals report that their units are sometimes or never adequately staffed. The Department of Education cuts threaten to disrupt the pipeline of future healthcare workers by reducing funding and slowing down the processing of financial aid and education grants. This will make it harder for students to access education programs and complete their training, especially for nurse practitioners and physicians who face higher educational costs and longer timelines to certification. This will, in turn, leave Oregon's healthcare facilities struggling to fill vacancies. Fewer new health professionals entering the workforce means existing staff will continue to shoulder unsustainable workloads, increasing burnout and turnover. 

 

This is not just a policy choice; it’s a choice to risk patient lives. When healthcare units are short-staffed, patients suffer. The same survey found that 78% of respondents reported delayed response times to patient calls, 76% reported medication delays, and 71% reported delays in pain management. Trump's education cuts will only make these delays worse, putting Oregon patients' health and safety at even greater risk.

 

This is a direct assault on Oregon’s healthcare system and on every healthcare worker striving to protect our communities. Slashing the Department of Education isn't cutting red tapeit's cutting the lifeline for Oregon's patients and healthcare workforce. Oregon health professionals are standing up and saying: enough is enough. 

 

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Nurses Back Bill To End Workplace Violence -03/11/25

92% of ONA Members Reported Experiencing Workplace Violence Last Year

(Portland, Ore.) - Oregon healthcare workers and elected officials are partnering to protect patients and providers and reverse the disturbing rise in violence against healthcare workers by passing Oregon Senate Bill 537. The bill will better protect patients and providers in hospitals and home health by implementing proven strategies to prevent violence in healthcare, support victims, and increase transparency and accountability.

 

Healthcare workers injuries from workplace violence increased a shocking 181 percent in hospitals between 2007 and 2022 and 92 percent of ONA members reported experiencing workplace violence last year.

 

“For too long, we’ve allowed the people who care for us to become victims. It’s time to stand up for them and put a stop to this senseless violence,” said State Representative Travis Nelson, a chief sponsor of the bill and registered nurse. “As a registered nurse for more than two decades, I’ve been punched, kicked, spit on and abused more times than I can count—and nearly every nurse I know has similar stories. We can’t let this cycle of violence continue. Everyone deserves a safe workplace. This bill is a critical step towards protecting healthcare providers and their patients. By passing it, we send a clear message that our caregivers must be safe and supported—not attacked and abused.”

 

Oregon’s Healthcare Workers are in Danger.

 

Long shrugged off as ‘just part of the job’, attacks on healthcare workers include verbal and physical threats, stalking, sexual assaults, death threats, punches, kicks and other attacks that can leave workers with concussions, lacerations, permanent physical injuries and PTSD.

 

Federal data shows healthcare workers are five more likely than other workers to become victims of workplace violence—making a career in healthcare one of the most dangerous jobs in America.

 

Patients Pay the Price too.

 

While healthcare workers attempt to shield their patients from violence, they also pay a heavy price. Ninety-seven percent of ONA members reported violent incidents impact patient care by disrupting care, delaying treatments and, in some cases, turning patients into victims.

 

Escalating violence also leaves fewer providers to care for patients–exacerbating our community’s care crisis. One in five healthcare workers reported missing work last year due to workplace violence injuries and trauma and more than 26 percent of healthcare workers are considering quitting due to workplace violence.

 

In addition to the physical, mental and emotional damages, violence costs taxpayers, patients, providers and the companies they work for billions. The American Hospital Association estimates workplace violence costs hospitals and health systems $2.7 billion annually in increased staffing costs, insurance losses, healthcare costs for victims and security among other expenses.

 

“Generations of healthcare workers have been taught that violence and abuse are just ‘part of the job,’” said Jennifer Bevacqua, a nurse practitioner at OHSU and ONA leader. “Recently, a RN colleague of mine was kicked in the face by a patient on a stretcher. This is not OK. Workplace violence is an epidemic that harms healthcare providers and patients. It delays treatments and drives healthcare workers away from the bedside. We must take action to protect workers, support victims, and ensure healthcare is safe for patients and caregivers.”

 

Senate Bill 537 Makes Healthcare Safer for Patients and Providers.

 

The rising tide of violence in healthcare is more than a statistic—it is a daily reality that endangers lives, disrupts patient care, and inflicts long-term physical, mental, and financial harm on our communities. In the wake of this growing public health crisis, the Oregon Nurses Association and elected leaders are proud to announce Senate Bill 537, a statewide answer to the daily violence harming patients, providers and our communities. Senate Bill 537 protects patients and providers by incorporating proven safety strategies to prevent violence and better support victims.

 

Senate Bill 537 prevents workplace violence.  

  • Adopts proven safety strategies like annual de-escalation training, initial safety assessments, identity protection, improved information sharing to ensure safe care for patients and providers, emergency alert devices and increased security.
  • Strengthens safety committees and provides for root cause analysis and process improvements to prevent future violence. 

Senate Bill 537 supports victims of violence.

  • Ensures first aid, trauma counseling and time off are available to victims when needed. 

Senate Bill 537 increases transparency and accountability to prevent future attacks. 

  • Helps identify trends and socialize successful strategies by requiring hospitals to report workplace violence info to the state for future study and policymaking. 

“Workplace violence inflicts deep physical, mental and emotional scars. The trauma caregivers endure is real and it’s driving many of our most experienced nurses away from the bedside,” said Patrick Hennessy, a nurse at OHSU and chair of ONA’s Cabinet on Health Policy. “We can’t eliminate every violent incident, but we can do much more to prevent it. Senate Bill 537 gives more nurses and healthcare providers proven tools to safely care for our patients and ourselves. No one should have to work in fear. Preventing workplace violence is a cause we can all support.”

 

The Senate health care committee is expected to hold a hearing on Senate Bill 537 Thursday, March 20.

 

More information on ONA’s work to end workplace violence in healthcare can be found online at www.OregonRN.org/WPV.

Labor Leaders And Healthcare Workers Provide Testimony In Support Of OHSU’s Acquisition Of Legacy Health (Photo) -03/05/25

Portland, Ore. – Leaders from Oregon AFSCME, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49 provided testimony for the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) OHSU-Legacy Community Review Board in support of the proposed acquisition of Legacy Health by OHSU. OHA is currently reviewing the proposed acquisition to understand how it might impact healthcare services in Oregon. The three unions represent the largest group of workers within Legacy and OHSU facilities, totaling more than 14,000 employees. 

 

Labor leaders offered testimony about the benefits the acquisition would have on all healthcare workers, patient care, and access to healthcare for Oregonians. This includes an agreement between OHSU and union-represented workers. Meg Niemi, President of SEIU Local 49, wrote, “I cannot underscore enough how unprecedented the agreement between OHSU and labor is. We know of no other agreement of its kind in which the vast majority of the workforce was negotiated with in advance and offered a secure, equitable future. This is the kind of leadership we need to ensure Legacy’s dedicated and skilled caregivers feel respected and continue to provide the personalized care they are known for.” 

 

In the agreement, OHSU has committed to greater job security for healthcare workers, which will lead to stability for patients, significant investments in culturally competent workforce development and training, and making the combined health system an exemplary employer in terms of fair compensation and job security. Research consistently shows that patient outcomes improve when workers have safer working conditions, higher wages, better benefits, and more job satisfaction. 

 

Anne Tan Piazza, Executive Director of ONA, highlighted Legacy’s inability to make crucial capital investments. She noted that OHSU has pledged $1 billion to strengthen Legacy’s ability to deliver high-quality care by financing essential facility upgrades and hiring additional frontline staff. “Simply put, the investments that OHSU is prepared to make into the Legacy health system once the acquisition is approved is lifesaving for Oregonians. The Legacy Health Board estimates that the system will require between $300 and $750 million in additional investment over the next five years to meet community needs. But it appears that Legacy does not have the capital. Legacy’s reporting to the Oregon Health Authority has shown negative operating margins since 2021,” Piazza said. 

 

Lamar Wise, the Political Director of Oregon AFSCME offered testimony on the benefits of public ownership: “By transitioning Legacy into OHSU’s public framework, we are bringing greater accountability and transparency into the healthcare system. OHSU is a public institution, which means decisions about patient care and hospital operations won’t be made behind closed doors or dictated by private corporate interests. The Governor appoints OHSU’s board, and their meetings, agendas, and financial reports are available to the public. This kind of transparency ensures that the voices of patients, workers, and the broader community will always have a seat at the table.”

 

 

About AFSCME, ONA, and SEIU

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49 advocates for better lives for working people and their families across Oregon and SW Washington. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is a leading public service union dedicated to representing public sector workers. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents nurses and healthcare professionals across Oregon, focusing on quality patient care and fair working conditions. 

 

Media Advisory: Today ONA-Represented Nurses From Providence Hospitals Speak On Contract Ratification -02/25/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - In a major victory for the nearly 5,000 ONA-represented frontline nurses at Providence, all eight registered nurse (RN) bargaining units voted overwhelmingly to ratify their contracts and end the strike. The historic agreements come after 46 days on the strike line and more than a year of bargaining, and will set a new standard for wages, staffing, and patient safety at one of Oregon's largest healthcare systems.

 

WHO/WHAT: Member leaders will host a press conference to discuss the victory and what it means for healthcare in Oregon.

 

WHEN: Tuesday, February 25 at 11 a.m.

 

WHERE: Third Floor Conference Room at Oregon Nurses Association - 18765 SW Boones Ferry Rd, Tualatin, OR 97062

 

The press conference will be live-streamed on ONA's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OregonNursesAssociation

Key Highlights of the Contracts Include:

  • Major Wage Increases: Nurses will receive substantial wage increases ranging from 20% to 42% over the life of the contract, with an immediate 16% to 22% raise upon ratification. 
  • Smarter Staffing for Safer Care: Patient acuity will now be factored into staffing plans, helping to improve nurse workloads and the quality of patient care. 
  • Retroactive Pay and Bonuses: For nurses at bargaining units with contracts that expired before December 2024, retroactive pay will cover 75% of all hours worked in 2024 (including education, meetings, PTO and vacation used for low census). Nurses at Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Seaside will receive a $2,500 bonus. 
  • Unified Contracts for Stronger Solidarity: An overwhelming majority of contracts (10 bargaining units) now align with expiration or wage reopener dates within three months of each other; strengthening ONA's collective voice.  
  • Stronger Health Benefits Advocacy: A new Statewide Health Benefits Workgroup will be established to evaluate current plans and explore the creation of a statewide health benefits trust, ensuring comprehensive coverage for nurses. 
  • Guaranteed Break & Meal Pay: Nurses will now automatically receive penalty pay--equal to one hour of wages--for every missed break or meal, with payment included in the next paycheck. 

These hard-won contracts reflect the dedication and determination of ONA nurses who stood strong on the strike line in their fight for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and better healthcare for all Oregonians.

 

Nurses will return to work starting on the night shift of Wednesday, February 26.

 

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The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 23,000 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.

The Providence Strike Is Over: Historic Contracts Ratified At Eight Hospitals Across Oregon -02/24/25

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - In a major victory for the nearly 5,000 ONA-represented frontline nurses at Providence, all eight registered nurse (RN) bargaining units voted overwhelmingly to ratify their contracts and end the strike. The historic agreements come after 46 days on the strike line and more than a year of bargaining, and will set a new standard for wages, staffing, and patient safety at one of Oregon's largest healthcare systems.

 

"These contracts represent a major victory for frontline caregivers, but more importantly it's a victory for Providence patients and the communities we serve," said Virginia Smith an RN from Providence Willamette Falls and leader of the ONA bargaining unit. "As RNs, we believe that these contracts will lead to greater recruitment and retention of frontline nurses as wages become more aligned with other health systems, and we have staffing language that will allow us to spend more time with the patients that need the most care."

Key Highlights of the Contracts Include:

  • Major Wage Increases: Nurses will receive substantial wage increases ranging from 20% to 42% over the life of the contract, with an immediate 16% to 22% raise upon ratification. 
  • Smarter Staffing for Safer Care: Patient acuity will now be factored into staffing plans, helping to improve nurse workloads and the quality of patient care. 
  • Retroactive Pay and Bonuses: For nurses at bargaining units with contracts that expired before December 2024, retroactive pay will cover 75% of all hours worked in 2024 (including education, meetings, PTO and vacation used for low census). Nurses at Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Seaside will receive a $2,500 bonus. 
  • Unified Contracts for Stronger Solidarity: An overwhelming majority of contracts (10 bargaining units) now align with expiration or wage reopener dates within three months of each other; strengthening ONA's collective voice.  
  • Stronger Health Benefits Advocacy: A new Statewide Health Benefits Workgroup will be established to evaluate current plans and explore the creation of a statewide health benefits trust, ensuring comprehensive coverage for nurses. 
  • Guaranteed Break & Meal Pay: Nurses will now automatically receive penalty pay--equal to one hour of wages--for every missed break or meal, with payment included in the next paycheck. 

These hard-won contracts reflect the dedication and determination of ONA nurses who stood strong on the strike line in their fight for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and better healthcare for all Oregonians.

 

"This is a transformative victory, not just for Providence nurses but for healthcare workers the length and breadth of this country," said AFT President Randi Weingarten. "These dedicated and determined frontline caregivers stood up for fair wages, safer staffing, and better care for their patients--and this contract proves that when we unite and fight, we raise standards for everyone. It underscores, once again, the power of solidarity and of collective action. I am proud to have had these workers' backs, and the 1.8 million members of their national union salutes them."

 

Nurses will return to work starting on the night shift of Wednesday, February 26.

Press Conference 

Member leaders will host a press conference to discuss the victory and what it means for healthcare in Oregon:

 

WHEN: Tuesday, February 25 at 11 a.m.

 

WHERE: Oregon Nurses Association - 18765 SW Boones Ferry Rd #200, Tualatin, OR 97062

 

The press conference will be live streamed on ONA's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OregonNursesAssociation

 

Providence Nurses Extend Ratification Voting Deadline To Monday, February 24 At 4 PM -02/22/25

(Portland, Ore.) - In response to member requests for additional time to review details of the tentative agreement (TA) and participate in informational meetings, all eight striking bargaining units from Providence facilities have extended the deadline for their ratification votes to close to Monday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m. 

 

The ratification vote will begin on Saturday, February 22 at 4:00 p.m. and close on Monday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m. Bargaining units who ratify their TAs will then return to work on Thursday, February 27. 

 

The original Sunday, February 23 at 4:00 p.m. deadline was set to facilitate a Wednesday, February 26 return to work for those who ratified their agreements.  

 

This extension reflects our commitment to ensuring nurses have the time and resources they need to make informed decisions about their contracts. 

 

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The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 23,000 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.