SPRINGFIELD – PeaceHealth executives continue to deny home care nurses equal pay with their colleagues who work at the RiverBend hospital and with nurses at similar home health agencies, according to Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).
Although ONA stated that four hours were spent on Jan. 5 to try and reach a fair contract, good discussions could not seal the deal. The next negotiation meeting will be Jan. 12.
“Nurses remain eager to reach a fair contract that addresses PeaceHealth’s staffing crisis, raises safety standards, increases recruitment and retention of skilled nurses, and ensures all Oregonians have access to safe, affordable, and accessible home health care,” ONA wrote. “However, nurses refuse to roll over and accept a contract that would lead to additional losses and endanger our patients, our coworkers, and our community.”
There is still much discussion regarding how, if, and when ONA may call a strike.
“If a strike is called, nurses will provide PeaceHealth with a 10-day notice to allow PeaceHealth executives adequate time to provide alternate care options for patients or to rejoin us at the table and reach a fair agreement,” ONA wrote.
—Amanda Lurey
