Legacy Health Staff Unite: Another Cohort Votes for Unionization to Strengthen Their Voices

Recently, around 120 advanced practice providers, like nurse practitioners and midwives, decided to unionize in the Legacy Health System in Portland. This decision was met with strong support, as most of those who voted favored the move.

These providers, often seen as hidden workers, play a vital role in patient care at Legacy. Beth Alston, an advanced practice provider, expressed that it can feel isolating without organized leadership to address their concerns. “We often feel siloed in our work areas,” she noted. The push for unionization reflects a desire for better representation and support within the healthcare system.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has been gaining members quickly within Legacy Health. They now represent about 3,200 frontline healthcare workers across various units. The union is currently negotiating contracts for new members, while another group of registered nurses seeks updates to their existing contracts.

This recent surge in union activity follows a failed acquisition by Oregon Health & Sciences University this past May, which sparked even more discussion about the working conditions and representation for healthcare workers in the area. As noted by Myrna Jenson from ONA, the newly unionized providers are split into different bargaining units, which may complicate negotiations but also allow for tailored agreements addressing their unique roles.

Interestingly, this trend mirrors a broader movement in healthcare. According to a survey from the National Nurses United, nearly 60% of healthcare workers reported feeling underrepresented and undervalued, prompting more professionals to consider unionizing for their rights and better working conditions. With this momentum, providers across the country are increasingly vocal about their needs, suggesting a significant shift in how healthcare labor is perceived and managed.

In the end, more healthcare workers are seeking ways to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. It highlights a need for systemic change and a recognition that every role in the healthcare system is critical to patient care.

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