Big news today! Providence is coming back to the bargaining table with all of our bargaining units. This is huge progress after only 4+ days of striking and something everyone should be proud of.
Clearly, they are feeling the pressure from the strike. According to Providence’s own numbers, nearly 90% of frontline caregivers statewide are on the strike line. Currently, Providence is spending an estimated $25 million each week on scab nurses, not to mention the costs of temporary hospitalists at St. V’s and frontline staff at the Women’s Clinics. This means that Providence has 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.
The best thing you can do now is hold the line as we continue to fight to address the systemic issues of patient care, safe staffing, competitive wages and benefits, and PTO. We will be updating you regularly as the bargaining process unfolds.
ONA released a statement to the media stating, “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."
The statement went on to say that “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."
Read ONA’s full statement here.
In the News
The news of the day was dominated by Providence finally coming back to the bargaining table. Press attention is robust so here are a few samples from the day:
Social Media to Share
Upcoming Events
Join Coworkers Across the System for a Friday Rally at PPMC
- Providence Portland Medical Center, Friday, January 17, at Noon!
How your friends and family can help
Sign up for a picket shift to show your support on the strike lines and contribute to the strike fund which goes to support frontline caregivers.
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