Jan. 11, 2025 (PORTLAND, Ore.) - We found out that Providence wants to return to the bargaining table with nurses at Providence Newberg and Providence Medford through the press and not through mediators or from Providence themselves. We hope that next time, they can just pick up the phone and call us.

This means that Providence is feeling the pressure from 5,000 frontline caregivers launching the largest healthcare strike in Oregon history and elected officials all across Oregon calling on them to return to the bargaining table. 

Their statements and excuses on why they will not bargain with certain bargaining units remain inconsistent, disingenuous, and contradictory. While Providence is highlighting the small percentage of caregivers who reported for work —a number no one can independently confirm—the overwhelming majority, nearly 90% of our members according to their figures, have chosen to stand together on the picket lines. We’re also hearing from some members who initially crossed the line and are now reaching out to join the strike. If the strike lines get even bigger, does this mean Providence will not be able to bargain again?

If Providence finally agrees to come back to the bargaining table with all of our members, they need to take bargaining seriously and make proposals that do not look like their proposals from before the strike. True bargaining means an intentional effort to reach a fair contract that addresses core issues of chronic understaffing, patient safety, and competitive wages and benefits including stopping cuts to employee healthcare.