(Portland, Ore.)  – Nurses from six Providence hospitals showed up Friday morning ready to return to work but management locked them out saying temporary workers needed to finish out five-day contracts. Upon the announcement, nurses returned to the picket line to protest the illegal lockout. Pickets will be held through Saturday evening at Providence Newberg, Providence Milwaukie, Providence Willamette Falls, Providence Milwaukie, Providence St. Vincent, and Providence Medford.   

While members were disappointed by Providence’s reaction, they took solace in a letter from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) confirming ONA’s interpretation of Oregon’s nurse staffing law underlying its complaints against Providence. ONA’s full statement and OHA’s letter can be found here. 

New bargaining dates have not been determined. ONA members have been and will be ready to meet with Providence management to continue negotiations at any time.

A reminder to patients from nurses:

“To all our patients and to those who receive services at Providence hospitals: If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care! Patients should seek hospital care immediately if they need it. We would rather be the ones providing that care, but Providence management have forced our hand and we find ourselves on the picket line advocating for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into the hospital to get the care you need is NOT crossing our picket line. In fact, we invite you to come join us on the picket line after you've gotten the care you need.”

Community members can visit RespectOurNurses.com to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the nurses, and get information about why nurses went on strike.  

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of 20,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.