This article is reprinted from the Speak Out Now healthcare newsletter at Kaiser and Highland Hospitals in Oakland, CA.
At the beginning of January, nurses at eight Providence hospitals across the state of Oregon went on strike. The strike lasted more than a month and a half, as management initially failed to meet the nurses’ demands. However, the nurses’ perseverance led to pay raises, retroactive pay for missed breaks for workers who have been at some hospitals before 2024, and compensation for future missed breaks.
The new contract also addresses staffing issues. It now requires staffing levels to be adjusted according to the severity of patient care needs. Additionally, at hospitals such as Medford, nurses at the unit level will have the power to agree with or reject proposed staffing plans before they are submitted to the hospital’s staffing committee.
This hard-fought victory is just the beginning. The nurses’ success in negotiating better pay and staffing conditions demonstrates their determination. While there are still areas, such as healthcare coverage, where demands have not been met and further action is needed, the solidarity and strength they’ve built during this strike will help them continue to fight for better working conditions. Their success is an inspiring example of worker power and solidarity.
Click here to read the article printed in the 03-12-25 Healthcare Newsletter
