The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is holding a solidarity rally on Crater Lake Avenue in Medford as negotiations with Providence Medford continue. Nurses have been without a contract for 10 months since talks began in January.
Nurses represented by ONA are advocating for higher wages, improved benefits, and increased staffing. The union represents about 5,000 nurses across nine Providence Health facilities in Oregon. Despite months of bargaining, no agreement has been reached.
Earlier this year, nurses staged a five-day strike to push for their demands. “Today is about unity and supporting our negotiation team,” said Breanna Zabel, a nurse leader at Providence. She expressed hope that the hospital would present a meaningful offer during upcoming talks.
A key issue in negotiations is wage increases to make the hospital more competitive and attract staff. Zabel noted that Providence’s starting wages are significantly lower than other hospitals in the same city, making recruitment and retention difficult.
Providence Medford responded, stating they have offered nurses over $20,000 in annual raises and attempted to schedule multiple bargaining sessions, which they claim union members declined. The impasse continues as both sides seek a resolution.