PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — After four days of striking, Legacy Health has agreed to enter mediation with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) and return to the bargaining table.
This decision comes after the health system previously declined federal mediation and did not engage in bargaining during the 10-day notice period before the strike, the union said.
The first mediation session is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 8, while the strike continues.
SEE ALSO | Legacy Health advance practice providers on strike amid contract disputes
The ONA expressed appreciation for Legacy’s decision to mediate, despite the delay.
“We encourage Legacy to engage constructively in the mediation process, negotiate in good faith, and work toward a contract that reflects the important contributions of APPs,” the association stated.
In response to the news, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) from Legacy Health will hold a solidarity rally today at 11 a.m. at Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland.
Lawmakers and union members will join the rally to support the APPs, who began their strike on Dec. 2.
The APPs, who constitute about a third of Legacy Medical Group’s providers, have long sought a greater voice in decision-making and have claimed challenges with short staffing and lack of resources.
Legacy Health responded, stating that since the strike began on Dec. 2, they have focused on clinical operations to ensure continuity of patient care.
“Now that patient care contingency plans are in place, at the request of a federal mediator, Legacy representatives are meeting Monday morning with the mediator and ONA representatives to discuss a mediation process. We will also be receptive to receive any new proposals the ONA has to present,” Legacy Health said in a statement.
Legacy Health emphasized that they are committed to reaching a fair agreement, offering an average 10% pay increase for all adult specialty advanced practice providers.
The compensation model is based on market data, internal equity, and financial sustainability, the statement said, considering Legacy’s financial challenges as a safety-net health system.
“We deeply value our people and are committed to providing them with the resources and tools they need to do the important work they do each day and continue to grow and thrive in their health care careers,” Legacy Health stated.
Legacy Health is a private nonprofit operating eight hospitals and over 70 clinics in Oregon and Washington.
The Oregon Nurses Association represents over 24,000 healthcare professionals.
Leave a Reply