Striking Providence nurses rally at Convention Center
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- As the first-ever strike of both nurses and doctors continues at Providence Hospitals, hospital officials began discussing resuming federal mediation while union representatives held a rally at the Oregon Convention Center.
Nearly 5,000 nurses, doctors and midwives went on strike Friday for what they say are fair contracts, safe staffing and better patient care.
The rally at the convention center featured a number of Oregon's elected federal representatives, state-elected leaders and leaders from various unions, including AFL-CIO National President Liz Shuler.
Meanwhile, Providence officials said in a release more than 600 ONA-represented nurses chose to work, "a rate that is nearly 400% higher than in previous strikes," they said.
Officials said they were ready to start negotiations immediately at Providence Medford and Providence Newberg, and will plan to schedule negotiations for other units soon.
KOIN 6 News has crews at the scenes and will have more information later in the day.