Bend, OR – Oregon is bracing for what could become the largest healthcare strike in its history, as nearly 5,000 workers across 14 Providence health facilities prepare to walk off the job next Friday. The strike, scheduled to begin at 6 a.m., could have significant consequences for healthcare services in the state.

The workers involved in the strike include doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). The union has been in negotiations with Providence, one of the state’s largest healthcare providers, but tensions remain high over unresolved issues regarding compensation, staffing, and working conditions.

As the strike date approaches, the ONA is calling on elected officials to intervene, urging them to take action before the work stoppage begins. The union’s leadership has expressed concern that the strike could disrupt essential healthcare services, putting both patients and workers at risk.

Providence, in an effort to avert the strike, has requested the assistance of federal mediators to reopen negotiations at select healthcare locations. However, it remains unclear whether the mediation process will yield a resolution in time to prevent the strike from moving forward.

If the strike does take place, it will not only be the largest in Oregon’s healthcare history but also a significant moment for labor relations in the state. The outcome of the negotiations will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future healthcare worker contracts across the region.

The situation is rapidly developing, with both sides working to find common ground. However, with only days remaining until the strike deadline, uncertainty continues to loom over the state’s healthcare system.