Providence Hospitals nurses strike begins in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- In what may be the largest strike of its kind in Oregon history, thousands of Providence hospital nurses went on strike at 6 a.m. Tuesday over issues including safe staffing levels, affordable health care, increased paid time off, and market wages.

The strike is underway at six Providence hospitals: Saint Vincent, Newberg, Milwaukie, Willamette Falls, Hood River, and Medford. Previously, the nurses announced they submitted a 10-day notice for a three-day strike from June 18-20.

However, the hospitals will remain open.

Providence Portland will not join the picket line, as their nurses previously held a strike last June and settled their contract.

The Oregon Nurses Association said the strike comes after months of negotiations where they said little movement has been made.

Providence Oregon says it will not negotiate with the nurses union until after the strike ends Friday morning. Although the strike is set for three days. Providence's contracts with its replacement nurses are for five days and they will not let nurses back until Sunday unless there is not enough staff.

KOIN 6 News will have more information later in the day.