Nearly 5,000 workers across 14 Providence health facilities are preparing to go on strike next Friday, January 12th, at 6 a.m. The move comes after ongoing labor disputes between Providence Health Services and its healthcare workers, represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). This strike involves nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff, all of whom are demanding improvements in working conditions and compensation.
The Oregon Nurses Association, which represents the healthcare workers, has called for immediate intervention from elected officials before the strike begins. Union leaders have expressed concerns over the rising demands of healthcare workers, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed significant stress on healthcare facilities and staff. The workers are seeking more resources, better wages, and measures to address burnout and improve patient care.
In response to the strike threat, Providence Health Services has requested federal mediators to intervene and facilitate negotiations with the healthcare workers at the affected facilities. Providence is hopeful that mediation can lead to a resolution before the planned strike, but no deal has been reached yet. The request for federal mediation highlights the seriousness of the dispute, as both sides continue to try and come to terms over the unresolved issues…