(MEDFORD, Ore.) – More than 250 health care technical workers at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center overwhelmingly voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) in a vote certified by the National Labor Relations Board late Friday night. The new union includes radiologic technologists, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), respiratory therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants and surgical technicians.
“We are thrilled,” said Cheyanne Laber, an ultrasound technologist who has worked at ARRMC for 4 years. “We worked together across every department to build for this victory. Now, we will have a real voice to advocate for the dignity and working conditions that will allow us to deliver the best care for our community.”
With their union officially certified, this unit will now begin the process of negotiating a contract with hospital management.
“Since I started at ARRMC, I’ve seen management make more and more decisions that put profits ahead of our patients,” Cheyanne said. “And I’ve also seen how our RN colleagues have been able to fight for themselves and our patients because they have a union. My colleagues and I are ready to begin negotiating a contract that’s grounded in the best interests of workers and patients.”
Workers’ top priorities include:
- Appropriate staffing levels to fully care for patients
- Fair pay and benefits to recruit and retain workers
- Dignity and voice on the job so health professionals’ expertise is respected
As members of ONA, these workers will have the solidarity and support of more than 16,000 health professionals across the state, including the 925 RNs at ARRMC.
Asante Rogue Regional Hospital is a Level 2 trauma center. Health care providers and workers there have been nationally recognized for their heart and stroke care, orthopedic services, cancer care and diabetes care. It’s also home to Southern Oregon’s only neonatal intensive care unit.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 16,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
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