April 27, 2023

It's clear management is concerned with the rising level of activism (over 96% pledge to picket) from ONA nurses at Providence Seaside Hospital (PSH), because they made substantial movement on economics for the first time since we started bargaining 6 months ago.

While we are starting to make promising movement on wages for hospital nurses, Providence's insistence that clinic nurses make substantially less money is increasingly out of step with the market.

When clinic nurses at CMH, Ocean Beach Hospital, and OHSU make the same as a bedside nurse, why would they stay at PSH?

It’s not just an equity issue – every nurse has a vested interest in improving standards in outpatient, because it preserves career choice and honors the increasing role and complexity of outpatient care happening industry-wide. A rising tide lifts *all* boats.

So far, we have tentative agreements or are very close on: re-certification pay, cross-training, charge nurse role, non-discrimination, surgical services work rules and incentives, and the certification list.
However, we remain far apart on core priorities such as PTO, parental leave, home health work rules, health benefits, and safe staffing – among others issues.

Going forward, it will be action – and not explanation – that moves corporate decision makers inside this company to act on our core priorities.

Looking forward to seeing everybody at the picket this afternoon: 2-5p on Wahanna Road in front of the hospital. Bring friends and family!

In Solidarity,

ONA-PSH Bargaining Committee
Nathan Weiler, ED
Mary Romanaggi, ED
Christy Youngquist, Clinic
Molly Hasenkamp, Surgical Services
Tracy Hutkowski, Medical-Surgical
Gabriel Erbs, ONA Labor Representative