(Portland, Ore.) - Following nearly two weeks of Legacy Health executives refusing to negotiate, advanced practice providers (APPs) began their strike at 6 a.m today. For nearly two years, the bargaining team for the 135 APPs have been trying to reach a first contract that protects patients through recruitment and retention of high-quality providers and puts an end to inequitable practices like unpaid work.  

The APPs work in Legacy hospitals and clinics located in the Portland metro and Southwest Washington. They include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs).  

During a press conference this morning, several APPs spoke about the journey to reach a first contract. “We earnestly believed we could work together to make healthcare better and make Legacy stronger. Never in my 22-year career have I imagined having to stand on a strike line in such stark opposition to my employer as I do today,” said Rob Brookshire, PA at Legacy Emanuel. “But that has become the sobering reality for all of us. The message we’ve received from Legacy’s executives has been blunt and unambiguous: disregard and disrespect aimed at us–the people who provide their healthcare.” 

April Callister, a PA in cardio thoracic surgery, said, “As providers, as healthcare workers, and as human beings, we have a responsibility to hold our health systems accountable to the promises they make—to put people over profits, and to live up to the mission statements they so proudly display on their walls.” 

Local Lawmakers Show Support  

Portland City Councilor Mitch Green joined the strike line at Legacy Good Samaritan in the morning and thanked APPs for standing up for themselves and workers who provide vital care for Oregonians. In an Instagram post, Councilor Green said, “This strike is a historic and necessary step one APPs are taking because Legacy executives have left them no other option. After more than 18 months of bargaining, APPs are still fighting for the contract they need to care for their patients safely and sustainably.” 

Meanwhile, Portland City Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane issued a statement saying, "Advanced practice providers are the backbone of community-based healthcare. They fill critical gaps in our health system and provide outstanding healthcare that puts patients first. Our community cannot afford to lose them. I ask Legacy to work towards a fair agreement that improves our community’s health." 

APPs are one of the fastest-growing professions in healthcare. They provide high-quality care directly to patients and are essential for expanding access to health care, reducing wait times, and ensuring patients and our community receive outstanding care. 

The APPs are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).  

Strike lines are located at Legacy Good Samaritan and Legacy Emanuel hospitals from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. This is an open-ended strike. 

Community members can visit OregonRN.org/RespectAPPs to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the APPs, and stay informed about the impact of the strike. 

A reminder to patients from APPs:  

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 Legacy executives’ refusal to continue meeting with APPs has forced us to strike 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.  

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FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 

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

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES  

WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY, DEC. 3-5: 11 AM – 1 PM 

• Legacy Emanuel (501 N Graham St, Portland, OR 97227) 

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

• Legacy Good Samaritan (1015 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210) 

Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

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