Oregon Nurses Association Archives

Over the objection of unions and Governor Kotek, the Vancouver-based hospital chain is closing most units at its Eugene hospital as of Dec. 1

After eight months of bargaining and an overwhelming strike vote, nurses at Columbia Memorial Health reached agreement for a new contract.

All told, 235 doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants would unionize at all eight hospitals.

The agreement with Oregon Nurses Association covers almost 3,200 nurses there. It also sets safe staffing standards and improves safety.

The Sacred Heart Medical Center University District closure would need the approval of the Oregon Health Authority.

If they authorize a strike, almost 3,200 nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association could walk out as soon as Sept. 28.

If the public teaching hospital buys the private health system, it would eclipse Intel as the largest metro-area employer.

Two of the three bargaining units that held a five-day strike in June now have significant pay raises, more time off, and safer staffing.

Joint mediation with Providence Portland, Providence Seaside, and Providence Home Health and Hospice is scheduled for Aug. 9.

Oregon’s first nurse strike in decades built solidarity and prompted legal questions about the use of strikebreakers. But no contract, yet.