Nurses at Providence's eight hospitals in Oregon approved new contracts on Monday, concluding the state nurses union's assertion that this strike was the largest healthcare strike in Oregon's history. The strike lasted over six weeks, initiated on January 10, amid unsuccessful negotiations regarding wages, benefits, and staffing levels that had persisted for over a year.

The Oregon Nurses Association union, representing nearly 5,000 nurses, initially rejected Providence's prior proposal. However, a tentative agreement was reached last week, which included more retroactive pay for nurses whose contracts had expired before December 2024. The resolution came after intense discussions and widespread participation, with not only nurses but also dozens of doctors from Providence St. Vincent in Portland and staff from six women's health clinics joining the strike effort.

Under the newly ratified contracts, hospital nurses will experience immediate pay raises as high as 22%, alongside additional wage increases over the contract's duration. The union has announced that, in recognition of the challenges faced by nurses, they will now receive automatic penalty pay equivalent to one hour of wages for every missed meal break. Additionally, the incorporation of patient acuity into staffing plans aims to alleviate nurse workloads, addressing one of the key concerns raised during negotiations.

Statements from both Providence and the nurses' union expressed satisfaction with the newly reached agreement. Following the ratification, hospital nurses are scheduled to return to work starting with the night shift on Wednesday, signaling a return to a stable operational environment after the lengthy strike.

The successful conclusion of this strike and the approval of the contracts represent a significant victory for healthcare workers in Oregon, marking an important moment in the ongoing discussions surrounding healthcare labor rights and worker compensation in the state. The effects of this strike may resonate beyond immediate pay increases, potentially influencing future negotiations and labor actions in the healthcare sector across the region.