ONA nurses hold info picket in Oregon City amid contract negotiations

OREGON CITY, Ore. (KPTV) – The Oregon Nurses Affiliation held an info picket towards Windfall Willamette Falls Medical Middle in Oregon Metropolis. The nurses there stated they have been picketing to handle security issues, staffing, profit points and different points.

“What we actually need is a contract, we don’t wish to strike and we don’t even significantly like marching round with indicators we simply desire a contract,” Jay Formick, a registered nurse, who can be a part of the bargaining staff, stated.

Formick stated there are a selection of sticking factors that ONA and Windfall simply can’t appear to agree on.

“One in every of our large issues in negotiations is discovering language we will agree on that may preserve sufferers safer however administration is simply digging their heels in and have rejected each alternative we’ve given them,” Formick stated.

He stated they wish to present the group what’s occurring and are hoping to place strain on administration.

“We respect their proper to picket, they’ve each proper to try this. We’re wanting to get the ONA again to the desk,” Brad Henry, the CEO of Windfall Willamette Falls Medical Middle, stated. Henry stated at their subsequent assembly, they’re bringing in a federal mediator.

“We’re extra profitable speaking than we’re strolling so we’re excited to have the mediator there to assist us end the deal,” Henry stated.

He added their present provide is a 7.75 p.c improve in wages with contract enhancements and subsequent will increase within the second and third years. Nevertheless, Formick stated that’s not sufficient and nowhere close to on tempo with inflation.

“We don’t fairly perceive after all of the rhetoric about valuing nurses they’re not dwelling as much as it and exhibiting that worth by giving us a good contract,” Formick stated.

Either side stated they don’t desire a strike, though Formick stated it’s not off the desk.

“Administration holds numerous the playing cards so in the event that they go away us no options, nicely, we’ll need to strike,” Formick stated. Henry stated they do have a plan if a strike does occur.

“We have now plans for alternative staff to return in and assist us make it possible for we will present the top quality care that we’ve been offering to date,” Henry stated. The subsequent negotiation assembly might be on Could twenty fifth.

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