Healthcare workers strike enters second day as Providence faces pressure to negotiate

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Saturday is the second day of the healthcare worker’s strike at Providence Hospitals.

About 5,0000 nurses and over 100 doctors walked off the job 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 representative Travis Nelson, hyped up the workers on strike.

“Providence is likely committing unfair labor practices by walking away from the bargaining table. They’re lying to them saying they had to walk away so they could prepare for a strike. When we all know that this is a tactic.”

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek told Providence to get 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 ONA-represented caregiver response and of those that reported for work. We’ve seen more than 600 of them. That’s 400% higher than we’ve seen in previous work stoppages. Thanks to them and thanks to our ministry teams who have worked so hard in advance of the strike to make sure that we were well planned and well prepared. We’re in a position to resume discussing negotiations,” said Jennifer Burrows, the Chief Executive at Providence Oregon.

The strike began 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 is over staffing, wages and nurse to patient ratios.

ONA accuses Providence of violating an Oregon law that sets minimum nurse to patient staffing ratios.

“I am tired of seeing my nurses get disrespected as Providence refuses to bargain in good faith even after a strike notice. Our patients see what happening and they demand better,” Nurse Virginia Smith told supporters at the ONA rally.

Providence leaders said physicians were welcome to return to work when they were ready, but if nurses would like to come back, the deadline to let management know was 8 p.m., Friday.

Providence said they are in position to resume talks and that messages have been sent to a federal mediator.

KATU News will continue to follow this strike and will provide updates as they become available.