Oregon lawmakers to Providence, strikers: Get a deal.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- As the strike by Providence nurses and doctors enters its third week, members of Oregon's congressional delegation urged both sides to get back to the bargaining table and work out a deal.

"We call on both parties to bring this commitment to justice to the bargaining table, to actively engage in bargaining all contracts, and to offer and negotiate proposals that meaningfully address caregiver concerns about wages, working conditions, and staffing," the open letter signed by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Maxine Dexter and Janelle Bynum plus Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said. "On behalf of the millions of Oregonians we represent, it is our sincere hope that ONA and Providence negotiate contracts in good faith as swiftly as possible."

These federal lawmakers also said they "have spoken directly with these caregivers and with Providence leadership … and continue to call on you to act with haste to come to an agreement that values the health care providers who care for patients in the Providence system."

A spokesperson for the Oregon Nurses Association told KOIN 6 News on Sunday they are "deeply disappointed in Providence executives for bargaining in bad faith and without the urgency that this moment requires."

The ONA added "Providence has shown zero movement on wages and health benefits. … All Oregonians should be deeply troubled by Providence prioritizing their healthcare executives instead of the caregivers on the frontlines of healthcare."

Sunday afternoon, Providence spokesperson Gary Walker told KOIN 6 News by email, "Providence negotiators continue to work closely with federal mediators. The current proposals from the union are not financially sustainable. As we've said before, only the Oregon Nurses Association can decide to end the strike. Based on its rhetoric, we continue to anticipate a lengthy walkout."