PORTLAND, Ore. — Approximately 5,000 health care workers at Providence hospitals across Oregon initiated a walkout on Friday, marking what the state’s health workers union deems the largest healthcare strike in Oregon’s history, and notably the first strike to include doctors.
Most of those participating in this ongoing strike are nurses, but in a significant development, several dozen doctors from a Portland hospital and six women’s clinics are also joining the action. This represents a historic moment as it becomes the first instance of physicians collectively striking in the state, according to the Oregon Nurses Association.
This strike follows over a year of unsuccessful negotiations regarding staffing issues, salaries, and benefits. The union has identified what it calls “chronic understaffing” as a major threat to patient safety and quality of care. They are advocating for decreased caseloads, higher wages, and enhanced benefits. Meanwhile, Providence has stated that it has made proposals for pay increases and is dedicated to reaching a resolution.
Providence anticipated that around 70 doctors would participate in the strike at Providence St. Vincent in Portland. This includes specialists such as hospitalists, obstetricians caring for pregnant patients, and palliative care physicians who work with those facing serious health challenges. However, it was noted that surgeons and emergency department doctors would not join the strike.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek called on both parties to resume negotiations on Friday. In a statement, she emphasized the need to support those who care for Oregonians by ensuring that all hospital staff receive fair contracts.
In preparation for the impending strike, Providence had announced earlier in the week that it would begin to limit patient admissions and enforce caps on the number of individuals treated at the Portland hospital. “We will defer or reschedule procedures that require support from hospitalists, and we expect longer wait times in our emergency department along with increased ambulance diversions,” explained Raymond Moreno, the chief medical officer at the hospital, in a release on Monday.
Several lawmakers in Oregon have voiced their support for the striking healthcare professionals. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden expressed his views via social media, stating that the dedicated nurses, doctors, and staff on strike at Providence deserve a workplace that acknowledges their contributions as healthcare heroes.
As the strike progresses, Providence confirmed that temporary replacement staff have been deployed to ensure continuity of patient care at all eight of its hospitals in Oregon.
