Legacy Health workers have reached a significant milestone. After nearly a month on strike, around 140 advanced practice providers, including nurse practitioners and physician associates, signed their first labor agreement with the hospital system. This group, which unionized in 2023, works in hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington.
The strike began on December 2 and ended when the workers and Legacy reached a new tentative agreement. Initially, a previous deal offered on December 26 was rejected by the workers, who felt it didn’t meet their needs, particularly in wages and long-term earning potential. After negotiations, Legacy improved its offer, leading to the current contract.
The new agreement brings several benefits. It includes wage increases, faster timelines for raises, and higher pay for night and extra shifts. Importantly, it also offers just-cause protections against unfair discipline and limits Legacy’s ability to change working conditions without negotiation.
Legacy officials expressed satisfaction with the deal, highlighting the extensive discussions that took place over 20 months. They emphasized that the contract aims to support competitive wages while ensuring the organization’s financial health.
This agreement reflects a larger trend in labor movements. In recent years, many healthcare workers have united to advocate for better conditions and pay. According to the National Labor Relations Board, union activity in healthcare has surged, with many hospital workers across the country forming unions. This trend suggests a growing recognition of workers’ rights in the industry and a new era of solidarity among healthcare professionals.
The Oregon Nurses Association, which represents these workers, sees this as a step forward in a broader wave of union organizing in the region. Over 2,300 nurses at Legacy hospitals have also joined together in the past year, seeking their own labor contracts. As more healthcare workers stand up for their rights, the landscape of healthcare employment is changing, one agreement at a time.
For more insights on labor trends, you can visit the National Labor Relations Board for statistics and historical context.
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