Tentative Agreement Reached at Providence Women’s Clinic Amid Ongoing Nurse Strike
Portland, OR – The union representing healthcare professionals at Providence Women’s Clinic has announced a tentative agreement as thousands of nurses continue their strike, which began on January 10. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) and Providence Medical Group finalized the agreement late Sunday for the clinic, which operates six locations in the Portland area and employs a total of 81 staff members, including 59 physicians and 22 nurses.
This contract, the first for workers at the women’s clinic, includes crucial protections for seniority, union representation, and a grievance process. Union members will cast their votes on this proposal on Monday and Tuesday.
According to Providence, this agreement signifies a milestone committed to delivering quality healthcare services. The contract encompasses a 25-step wage scale for nurses based on their experience, facilitating pay raises ranging from 4% to 20%. Additional pay incentives for evening shifts and expanded professional development opportunities are also included. Physicians will see wage increases of 7.5% to 15%, alongside more avenues for professional growth.
Dr. Charlie Saltalamacchia, a physician at the clinic, emphasized the sacrifices made by union members in their pursuit of fair wages and quality patient care. “This agreement proves that solutions are within reach when negotiations are approached in good faith,” he stated, urging Providence to extend this commitment to ongoing negotiations across its various units.
The nurses’ strike, the largest of its kind in Oregon’s history, affects multiple facilities, including Portland St. Vincent Medical Center and Providence Portland Medical Center, with separate bargaining units in each. The tentative agreement at the women’s clinic is seen as a hopeful step towards resolving ongoing disputes. “It’s a victory for us and demonstrates what can be achieved with serious negotiations,” remarked Scott Palmer, ONA Chief of Staff.
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