The Rhode Island State House illuminated in red to honor nurses during National Nurses Week.
In recognition of National Nurses Week, the Rhode Island State House will be illuminated in red until May 12. This week also coincides with a tentative agreement ending a historic strike by nearly 5,000 nurses in Oregon. The agreement promises substantial wage increases and improved working conditions, highlighting the important role nurses play in healthcare, especially amidst ongoing challenges in the sector.
Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island State House will be illuminated in red until May 12 to pay tribute to nurses across the state and the nation as the country observes National Nurses Week. This week-long celebration runs from May 6 to May 12, aligning with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in nursing.
In a significant development in Oregon, a tentative agreement has been reached between Providence Health & Services and the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) to conclude a historic six-week strike, the longest in Oregon’s healthcare history. Nearly 5,000 nurses from eight Providence hospitals, including locations in Hood River, Medford, Milwaukie, Newberg, Seaside, Oregon City, and two hospitals in Portland, walked off the job, significantly impacting healthcare services in the region. The strike also included nurses from six women’s clinics and physicians at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.
The agreement was achieved after three days of intensive negotiations, following a previous deal that union members rejected earlier this month by a margin of over 80%. Union leaders described the new agreement as a major accomplishment focused on fair wages, safe staffing, and high-quality patient care.
The terms of the proposed agreement include wage increases ranging from 20% to 42%, effective immediately upon ratification, with increases of 16% to 22% to be applied retroactively. Additionally, nurses will receive step increases starting next year, compensation for missed breaks, and retroactive pay for those whose contracts expired last year or earlier. Notably, contracts for different hospitals will have various expiration dates, with some set for December 31, 2026, and others extending to December 31, 2027.
While nurses at Seaside and Portland will not qualify for retroactive pay, they will receive a one-time bonus of $1,750 after ratification and an additional bonus of $750 within six months. The ratification votes for this agreement are anticipated to occur over the weekend, with nurses expected to return to work by the following Wednesday if the agreement is approved.
The striking nurses have been advocating for better wages and staffing conditions since they began picketing on January 10. The issue drew the attention of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, who encouraged both parties to resume negotiations and find common ground through mediation. According to reports, the bargaining team collaborated closely with Providence to address the union’s concerns about patient safety and wage disparities.
In conjunction with ongoing celebrations during National Nurses Week, over 150 landmarks spread across 34 states, as well as the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, will be illuminated to honor nurses and their contributions to the healthcare sector. This act of recognition serves as a nationwide affirmation of the vital role nurses play in maintaining public health and safety.
The spotlight on the nursing profession during this significant week comes as healthcare facilities throughout the nation continue to face challenges related to workforce shortages and the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses have been on the front lines, demonstrating resilience and dedication in their roles, and the spotlight on their contributions through events like National Nurses Week is meant to highlight the ongoing need for support and recognition of their work.
Historic Strike by SEIU Local 721 Workers in Los Angeles
News Summary North Providence will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade on May 26, 2025,…
News Summary Cranston, RI, is introducing its first weekly farmers market at Garden City Center.…
News Summary The Rhode Island State Senate has unanimously passed a bill banning cell phones…
News Summary In a proactive step to safeguard first responders, the North Providence Fire Department…
News Summary Nilda DeSGranges, a beloved North Providence resident, celebrated her 100th birthday on April…
News Summary The Miss Rhode Island Day of Portugal pageant will take place on May…