The agreement involves two of the 11 bargaining units taking part in healthcare strikes across Providence.
Providence Medical Group has struck a tentative agreement with two units represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) while thousands of other workers remain on strike.
The deal is for Portland-based Providence Women's Clinic, which is handing physicians and nurses first-ever contracts that improve areas like compensation, benefits, and working conditions.
A ratification vote on the agreement by union members began on Monday and closes on Tuesday.
Nearly 5,000 Providence doctors, nurses, advanced practice providers, and midwives at eight hospitals and six clinics run by Providence went on strike on January 10, making it the largest healthcare strike in Oregon's history, according to the ONA. Including the two units that Providence Women's Clinic reached a deal with, 11 bargaining units in total are participating in the strike.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek helped facilitate the agreement by requesting that Providence and the ONA resume mediation.
"This agreement marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services," Providence said in a statement.
The terms reached for nurses include a 25-step wage scale based on years of experience, providing a pay raise of 4% to 20% for most nurses. They'll also receive additional pay for evening shifts, precepting, and per diem work.
Meanwhile, physicians will receive raises of 7.5% to 15% for advanced practice providers, as well as protections for physician time and competitive incentives for extra work.
Though the agreement is a step in the right direction, Providence still has its work cut out to resolve the strike for all.
"Our members have made significant sacrifices to stand up for fair wages, safe staffing and the ability to provide quality care to their patients," Charlie Saltalamacchia, MD, said in a union release. "This agreement at Providence Women’s Clinic proves that solutions are within reach when Providence negotiates in good faith and prioritizes investment in their most valuable asset; their caregivers. The same commitment to fair bargaining must be extended to all remaining negotiations so that every caregiver can return to work with dignity and respect."
Jay Asser is the CEO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Providence Women's Clinic and the Oregon Nurses Association agreed to tentative terms on new contracts for nurses and physicians that address compensation and more.
Advanced practice providers will receive a 7.5% to 15% pay raise, while most registered nurses are in line for a 4% to 20% raise due to a 25-step wage scale based on experience.
If the ratification vote by union members passes, there will be workers from nine Providence bargaining units still on strike.