(Portland, Ore.) - The providers and nurses at Providence Women's Clinic have reached a tentative agreement (TA) with Providence, demonstrating that when Providence negotiates in good faith and truly listens to the concerns of its caregivers, reaching a fair deal is possible. While the providers at the Women's Clinic are eager to return to their patients and resume the vital work of caring for their community, they remain steadfast in their solidarity with their colleagues. 

"Our members have made significant sacrifices to stand up for fair wages, safe staffing, and the ability to provide quality care to their patients," said Dr. Charlie Saltalamacchia. "This agreement at Providence Women's Clinic proves that solutions are within reach when Providence negotiates in good faith and prioritizes investment in their most valuable asset; their caregivers. The same commitment to fair bargaining must be extended to all remaining negotiations so that every caregiver can return to work with dignity and respect."

These are the first-ever contracts for both the registered nurses (RNs) and providers and they have secured key rights that are standard in union contracts, such as protections for leaves of absence, seniority, union representation, membership recognition, and a formal grievance process. Throughout this strike, these bargaining teams have worked tirelessly to find solutions and push negotiations forward. The overwhelming participation from providers and nurses has sent a clear message: healthcare workers will not back down when it comes to advocating for their patients and their profession.

For RNs, the major wins include: 

• A new 25-step wage scale based on years of experience, resulting in 4%-20% pay increases for most RNs, plus across-the-board (ATB) raises in the second year. 
• Extra pay for evening shifts, precepting, and per diem work. 
• More than double the current funding for professional development. 
• A new clinical ladder with significant pay increases at each advanced level. 
• A ratification bonus for all currently employed RNs. 

For Providers, the key achievements include: 

• Industry-leading protections for physician time and competitive incentives for additional work. 
• Wage increases of 7.5%-15% for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). 
• Increased professional development funds for APPs. 
• New procedures to ensure time deducted from leave banks is accurate. 

The tentative agreement reached at Providence Women's Clinic is an important step forward, but our fight isn't over. Many nurses and providers across Providence are still in mediation, working toward a fair contract. It's time for Providence to take all negotiations seriously and commit to resolving the remaining contracts so that every healthcare worker wins the agreement they deserve.

The ratification vote opens Monday, February 3 and closes on Tuesday, February 4 at 7 p.m.