A Fresh Start for Clinicians at Legacy Health

Clinicians at Legacy Health have a new deal to consider. This comes after a strike that started on December 2nd. The group, which includes nurse practitioners, physician associates, and clinical nurse specialists, is represented by the Oregon Nurses Association. They unionized late last year and work at various Legacy hospitals and clinics in Oregon and southwest Washington. The strike happened because the first deal was rejected. Workers felt it didn't meet their needs, especially when it came to wages and future earnings. Both sides went back to the negotiating table. Legacy Health revised its offer, and a new tentative agreement was reached. The new proposal includes several improvements. There are wage increases for everyone. Rules for extra shift pay are clearer. Night shifts and extended hours now pay more. Plus, a new committee will be created to improve communication between workers and management.Workers are now voting on whether to accept this new deal. Results are expected by Saturday or sooner. If ratified, employees will return to work by Sunday. There will be no gap in benefits. This deal would be the first union contract for these advanced practice providers at Legacy Health. It also includes protections against unfair discipline and termination. If the workers vote no, there's a plan for that too. Both sides agreed to a 90-day cooling-off period. During this time, employees keep working, and negotiations continue. However, no more strikes are allowed during this period. This situation highlights the importance of fair wages and good communication in the workplace. It also shows the power of collective action. Clinicians stood together to demand better working conditions and were heard.