Union attempts to disrupt health care access and medical supply deliveries at Providence hospitals in Oregon

In its ongoing efforts to wrest control of Oregon’s entire health care system, Oregon Nurses Association has issued a letter calling on traveling nurses to refuse work at Providence in Oregon during the union’s strikes. The letter, on stationery with the phrase “Caring for Oregon,” would have the effect of stopping care for hundreds of patients in Oregon when the strike begins on Tuesday, June 18.

In addition, vendors of crucial medical equipment have told Providence that ONA is pressuring them to stop deliveries of those lifesaving supplies to Providence hospitals during the work stoppage.

“Our nurses who are union members have the right to strike,” said Jennifer Burrows, RN, chief executive, Providence – Oregon. “Hospitals have an obligation and a commitment to care for our patients and our communities, 24 hours a day. For ONA union leadership to call for actions that could prevent Oregonians from getting emergency care or to disrupt care and choke off supplies for patients already in our hospitals is unprofessional and reckless.”

While claiming to advocate for its members, the union has sent out messages saying its real intent is to “shame” Providence. In a text sent to members last week, the union said, “Our RN bargaining team declared a 3 day strike starting 6/18 @ 6 am with the goal of creating the most cost for Providence – we know that scab contracts last 5 days. RNs will return to work 6/21 at 6am, if Prov chooses to lock us out for 2 days in order to save money, we will shame them in the press.”

Now, by calling on nurses to avoid caring for patients at the bedside during a work stoppage, the union is trying to create an environment where patients’ health is at risk.

Currently, Providence cares for more than 1,100 inpatients every day in its Oregon hospitals. These hospitals provide care ranging from the birth of babies to heart transplants – care that must not be interrupted.

Again, despite the union’s attempts to obstruct Providence’s Mission, all Providence sites will be open to serve our patients and the community on Tuesday, June 18, when the union goes on strike.