Oct. 29, 2025 (Portland, Ore.) – Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) at OHSU overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. The 700 APPs include physician associates (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and certified nurse midwives (CNMs). The affirmative vote comes two weeks after ONA-represented APPs at Legacy Health voted to authorize a strike. 

 

“We do not want to strike, but we will if that’s what it takes to protect ourselves from burnout and be there for patients for years to come. OHSU must acknowledge the value that APPs bring and collaborate with all its providers to ensure sustainability,” said Kelly Batte, NP at OHSU “All work is work, whether we are caring for patients or teaching the next generation. We must see real change at OHSU, not just empty promises.”

 

The APPs cited unsustainable workload, uncompetitive wages, and failure by the administration to recognize their contributions to OHSU’s academic mission as the reasons for the strike vote. APPs work in clinics and facilities across the OHSU Health System from Klamath Falls to Astoria and can be found in all departments. They also teach the next generation of providers at the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, and work in OHSU’s premier research labs.

 

“APPs are a critical part of the OHSU health system because there aren’t enough physicians and there won’t be anytime soon,” said Carmen Henderson, PA at OHSU. “For the healthcare system to bridge those gaps and be accessible to the community, we’re here. Without us, it would take longer for patients to get care or they would go without.”

 

Before any strike could occur, a 10-day notice would need to be sent to OHSU administration. The APP bargaining team is in mediation with OHSU today, October 29. While no strike date has been set, APPs emphasize that striking is a last resort and they remain committed to reaching a fair agreement at the table.