Nurses at eight Oregon hospitals approved a groundbreaking contract on Monday, concluding the longest healthcare strike in state history after six weeks of protests. The Oregon Nurses Association confirmed the deal includes immediate 22% wage increases, retroactive pay for expired contracts, and staffing adjustments tied to patient needs.
The agreement followed a tense year of negotiations over wages, benefits, and understaffing concerns. Providence Health initially proposed terms rejected by nurses in December 2023, prompting 5,000 nurses and dozens of doctors to walk out on January 10.
This contract sets a precedent for nurse protections nationwide,a union spokesperson stated.
Key benefits under the ratified deal include:
- Automatic penalty pay for missed meal breaks
- Patient acuity metrics influencing staffing levels
- Additional wage hikes through December 2024
Hospital administrators emphasized their commitment to staff retention, while nurses prepare to resume work Wednesday night. The resolution marks a critical shift in Oregon’s healthcare labor landscape after record-breaking strike participation.
