Jan. 16, 2025 (PORTLAND, Ore.) - When Providence finally agreed to return to negotiations with nearly 5,000 striking frontline caregivers, the bargaining teams from the Oregon Nurses Association moved quickly and sent proposals to Providence from all 11 bargaining units. More than 24 hours later, and Providence has not responded. 

Providence claims to be ready to resume negotiations but their lack of response and urgency demonstrates they may not be as serious about negotiations as they previously claimed.  

Instead of responding to ONA’s proposals, Providence spent the day trying to divide frontline caregivers with coercive messages about crossing the strike line. The Oregon Nurses Association is calling on Providence to take negotiations seriously so we can reach a fair contract and end this strike. 

The strike lines are strong and getting stronger as frontline caregivers are resolved to reach fair contracts that address the systemic issues facing Providence like chronic understaffing, high turnover rates, and lower standards in patient care. 

ONA’s proposals include language on the following: 

Safe Staffing – ONA proposes that each hospital incorporate patient acuity into all units and hospital staffing plans to determine the appropriate number of patients a nurse can be assigned. Nurses caring for patients with higher acuity, who require more attention, should be assigned fewer patients to ensure they can spend more time with those with the greatest need. 
 
Providence, however, has rejected proposals to have acuity factored into staffing plan ratios. This will ultimately limit the amount of time nurses can spend with patients who require the most care and could negatively impact patient outcomes. 

Market Competitive Wages – Frontline caregivers are not asking for exorbitant wages; we are asking for market-competitive compensation that recognizes our experience, hard work, and value to the communities we serve. It is crucial to remember that wages are also key to recruitment and retention of staff which, in turn, impacts chronic unsafe staffing conditions that put both patients and healthcare workers at risk. ONA is asking for wage increases that will bring Providence more in line with market leaders.  

It is important to note that these wage offers from Providence, if agreed to, would still mean their frontline caregivers would be far behind the market on wages. Specifically, by 2026, Providence nurses with 15 years of experience would earn approximately $8,000 less annually than their counterparts at OHSU, based on Providence’s current wage offers.    

Employee Health Insurance – Providence employees can pay upwards of $6,300 dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles while employees at Kaiser, the market leader in employee healthcare, pay only $10 out of pocket for procedures and doctors' visits.  

ONA has proposed lowering health care premiums and copays for employees or an Aetna Impact Fund to make up for the cost increases because of Providences transition to Aetna to manage their employee health insurance. ONA has also proposed a Letter of Agreement to convene a regional task force to explore new ways to provide health insurance to ONA members, including exploring a healthcare trust. 

Providence has rejected any changes to health insurance benefits.