PORTLAND, Oregon — Nurses at six Providence hospitals have given negotiators the power to authorize a 10-day strike notice if discussions on a new contract with the health care provider fall apart.
Thousands of nurses at Providence's St. Vincent, Newberg, Hood River, Medford, Willamette Falls and Milwaukie hospitals are asking for more competitive pay, a better nurse-to-patient ratio and better health benefits.
"We are having to ask for the bare minimum just to do our jobs," said Virginia Smith, a registered nurse and member of the Oregon Nurses Association Board of Directors. "That makes it so frustrating to be able to take care of our communities."
Providence executives said they hope to reach a deal with the nurses at these facilities by next week. CEO of Providence Jennifer Burrows, who is a registered nurse, said that they want nurses to be well compensated.
"Our nurses are part of what gives us our reputation in the community for quality of care and meeting patients’ expectations," she added.
The two sides are scheduled to meet June 4-7 alongside a federal mediator. Smith said nurses at these hospitals don’t want to go on strike, but it’s a possibility if negotiations fail.
“I'm hoping we don't have to do that," Smith added. "(A) Strike is not something that is desirable, but sometimes that the leverage we need to get Providence to the table."
Providence said the Oregon Nurses Association has failed to come to the negotiating table since last fall, before agreeing to the June meeting.
If a strike occurs, Providence said it would bring in replacement workers to these facilities.
"Our responsibility is to the community in which we serve and so will ensure that we have a plan for a work stoppage," Burrows said.