PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Saturday is the second day of the nursing staff strike at Providence Hospitals.
About 5,0000 nurses and over 100 doctors walked off the job on Friday. They are negotiating new contracts and say they are fighting for higher pay and better working conditions.
At a rally today, several supporters, including state Rep. Travis Nelson, cheered the workers on strike.
“Providence is likely committing unfair labor practices by walking away from the bargaining table. They are lying to them and saying they have to walk away so they can prepare for a strike. When we all know this is a tactic.”
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek told Providence to go back to the bargaining table after not negotiating for 10 days leading up to the strike.
On Saturday, Providence said thanks to the hundreds of nurses who reported to work despite the strike, they are ready to talk.
“I’m so grateful for the strong response from ONA-represented caregivers and for those who have signed up for work. We’ve seen more than 600 of them. That’s 400% higher than we’ve seen in previous work stoppages. Thank you to them and thank you to our ministry teams who have worked so hard in the run-up to the strike to ensure we were well-planned and well-prepared. We are in a position to resume negotiations,” said Jennifer Burrows, CEO of Providence Oregon.
The strike began on Friday when 150 doctors joined 5,000 nurses.
Providence and ONA have been trying to reach an agreement for more than a year.
The dispute concerns staffing, salaries and the relationship between nurses and patients.
ONA accuses Providence of violating an Oregon law that sets minimum staffing ratios between nurses and patients.
“I am tired of seeing my nurses disrespected when Providence refuses to bargain in good faith even after a strike notice. Our patients see what is happening and they are demanding better,” nurse Virginia Smith told supporters at the ONA rally.
Providence leaders said doctors were welcome to return to work when they were ready, but if nurses wanted to come back, the deadline to notify management was 8 p.m., Friday.
Providence said it is in a position to resume talks and that notices have been sent to a federal mediator.
KATU News will continue to follow this strike and will provide updates as they become available.
