Providence Nurses Ratify contracts, end of 46-day strike | News

Portland, Ore. – Almost 5,000 nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (Ona) in Providence have voted to ratify new contracts and end a 46-day strike.

The most important highlights of the contracts include significant wage increases that are between 20 and 42 percent above the lifespan of the contract with an immediate increase of 16 to 22 percent. In addition, personnel plans will now consider patient sharpness.

Virginia Smith, an RN from Providence Willamette Falls, emphasized the importance of the new contracts.

“These contracts represent a big victory for nurses on the front, but what is even more important is a victory for Providence patients and the communities we serve,” she said.

Nurses at the Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Seaside receive a bonus of $ 2,500, and a retrospective salary will cover 75 percent of all working hours for those whose contracts have expired before December 2024.

A new working group for nationwide health services will be set up to evaluate current plans and to examine a nationwide trust of health services. Nurses also receive a penalty for missed breaks or meals.

“This is a transforming victory, not only for providence nurses, but also for the length and width of this country in the healthcare system,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.

The nurses will return to work in the night shift of Wed, February 26.