In response to member requests for additional time to review details of the tentative agreement (TA) and participate in informational meetings, all eight striking bargaining units from Providence facilities have extended the deadline for their ratification votes to close to Monday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m.
The ratification vote will begin on Saturday, February 22 at 4:00 p.m. and close on Monday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m. Bargaining units who ratify their TAs will then return to work on Thursday, February 27.
The original Sunday, February 23 at 4:00 p.m. deadline was set to facilitate a Wednesday, February 26 return to work for those who ratified their agreements.
This extension reflects our commitment to ensuring nurses have the time and resources they need to make informed decisions about their contracts.
(PORTLAND, Ore.) — After 43 days of unwavering strength, solidarity, and determination, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represented registered nurses at all eight striking facilities have secured a tentative agreement with Providence Oregon. Bargaining teams at Providence Portland, Providence St. Vincent, Providence Newberg, Providence Seaside, Providence Milwaukie, Providence Hood River and Providence Willamette Falls strongly recommend their tentative agreements, while Providence Medford’s bargaining team is neutral on their tentative agreement.
This milestone represents a significant achievement for ONA nurses, marking a powerful step forward in their ongoing commitment to fair wages, safe staffing, and high-quality patient care.
Key Highlights of the Tentative Agreement:
- Major Wage Increases: Nurses will receive substantial wage increases ranging from 20% to 42% over the life of the contract, with an immediate 16% to 22% raise upon ratification.
- Smarter Staffing for Safer Care: Patient acuity will now be factored into staffing plans, helping to improve nurse workloads and the quality of patient care.
- Retroactive Pay: For nurses at bargaining units with contracts that expired before December 2024, retroactive pay will cover 75% of all hours worked in 2024 (including education, meetings, PTO, and vacation used for low census).
- Stronger Health Benefits Advocacy: A new Statewide Health Benefits Workgroup will be established to evaluate current plans and explore the creation of a statewide health benefits trust, ensuring comprehensive coverage for nurses.
- Annual Step Increases: Starting in 2026, the contract guarantees annual step increases from Step 1 to Step 30, ensuring nurses can continue advancing in their careers without delays.
- Guaranteed Break & Meal Pay: Nurses will now automatically receive penalty pay – equal to one hour of wages – for every missed break or meal, with payment included in the next paycheck.
- Ratification Bonuses: Nurses at Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Seaside will receive a $1,750 ratification bonus within two pay periods following ratification, plus an additional $750 within six months.
These hard-won agreements reflect the dedication and determination of ONA nurses who stood strong in their fight for fair treatment, safe working conditions and better healthcare for their communities.
Voting Details:
Voting on the tentative agreement for each facility will open on Saturday, February 22 at 4 p.m. and close on Sunday, February 23 at 4 p.m. If an agreement is ratified, nurses at that facility would return to work on Wednesday, February 26.
