Legacy Health workers announced a tentative agreement on December 27, 2023, aimed at concluding a strike that has persisted for four weeks. The strike involved approximately 140 advanced practice providers, including nurse practitioners, physician associates, and clinical nurse specialists, who organized under a union in 2023. This development marks a significant milestone as they are the first group within the newly formed unions at Legacy Health to reach a potential resolution.
The strike began on December 2, 2023, affecting operations at Legacy hospitals and clinics located in Oregon and southwest Washington. Workers are now scheduled to vote on the tentative agreement starting Friday, with the voting period concluding at noon on Saturday. Until the agreement is ratified, the workers will continue their strike, as stated by the Oregon Nurses Association, the union representing them.
According to the Oregon Nurses Association, the proposed agreement includes several key improvements for the striking workers. The contract offers across-the-board pay raises, the introduction of new pay scales, and additional pay increases set for the second and third years of the contract. While the agreement is designed to enhance wage competitiveness with those at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), it does not completely close the existing wage gap. Notably, the merger plans between Legacy Health and OHSU were suspended earlier this year.
The agreement reflects ongoing efforts by newly formed unions at Legacy Health to negotiate better working conditions and compensation. As healthcare professionals continue to advocate for their rights, this tentative deal may set a precedent for other groups within the organization. The outcome of the upcoming vote will determine whether the workers will return to their roles or maintain their strike position.
The situation highlights the growing trend of healthcare workers organizing to demand fair treatment and adequate compensation amid evolving labor dynamics in the healthcare sector. As negotiations continue, the focus now shifts to the workers’ decision on the tentative agreement, which could have lasting implications for their professional landscape.
