Legacy Health and Nurses Union Move to Mediation After Strike
Legacy Health has decided to enter mediation talks with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) after a four-day strike. This comes as a welcome step, especially since the health system had previously resisted federal mediation and stalled negotiations before the strike began on December 2.
The first mediation meeting is set for Monday, December 8, but the strike will continue in the meantime. ONA leaders have expressed hope that this mediation will lead to a fair contract for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs).
“We appreciate Legacy’s decision to mediate,” said an ONA representative. “We encourage them to negotiate in good faith.”
In solidarity, APPs are organizing a rally today at 11 a.m. at Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland. Lawmakers and union members are expected to join in support. APPs represent about one-third of the providers in the Legacy Medical Group. They are advocating for better working conditions and a stronger voice in decision-making, especially as they deal with issues like short staffing and limited resources.
Legacy Health, which operates eight hospitals and over 70 clinics in Oregon and Washington, is under pressure to reach a timely agreement to get APPs back to caring for patients. The ONA represents over 24,000 healthcare professionals, underscoring the scale of this situation.
Recent studies have shown that better working conditions for healthcare workers can significantly improve patient care. When staff feel supported, they can provide better service and improve overall patient outcomes.
As this situation unfolds, it reflects a growing trend in the healthcare industry where workers are increasingly vocal about their needs. The call for fair contracts and better conditions isn’t just happening in Oregon; nationwide, healthcare workers are standing up for their rights.
For more detailed insights into the effects of labor negotiations in healthcare, you can read reports from organizations like the American Hospital Association here.
This process highlights the importance of dialogue in resolving workplace issues, especially in critical fields like healthcare. As both sides work towards a resolution, the focus remains on ensuring quality care for patients while supporting the dedicated professionals who provide that care.
