St. Charles Bend Nurses Vote to Authorize Strike

Nearly 1,000 nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association at St. Charles Bend have voted overwhelmingly and in record-breaking numbers to authorize a strike at the hospital, citing concerns over working conditions, affordable healthcare, and competitive wages. The hospital expressed confidence in reaching a contract agreement and noted recent efforts to improve nurse retention, including a $5 hourly wage increase. Contract negotiations are set for this week, and the ONA would have to give 10 days' notice of a walkout.