Legacy Health workers have announced a tentative agreement to conclude a strike that has lasted for four weeks. The strike, which began on December 2, 2023, involved approximately 140 advanced practice providers including nurse practitioners, physician associates, and clinical nurse specialists. These workers are part of a union that formed in 2023 and are stationed at Legacy hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement reached by the workers is subject to ratification through a vote scheduled to begin on Friday and conclude at noon on Saturday. The Oregon Nurses Association, which represents the striking workers, has stated that the tentative deal includes significant pay raises, new pay scales, and additional increases in the second and third years of the contract. While the union claims the contract will enhance Legacy’s wage competitiveness with similar positions at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), it has noted that it does not fully eliminate the wage gap between the two organizations.
Notably, earlier this year, Legacy Health and OHSU had called off plans to merge, a decision that has implications for the labor landscape in the region.
Impact on Striking Workers
The members of the union will remain on strike until they officially ratify the agreement. This tentative deal marks a significant milestone for the newly organized unions within Legacy Health, making it the first group to secure a labor agreement during this wave of strikes.
The outcome of the upcoming vote will determine whether the advanced practice providers will return to work or continue their strike for better working conditions and compensation. The union’s efforts highlight ongoing challenges faced by health care workers in securing fair wages and benefits in a competitive environment.
