In a recent meeting of the Oregon Senate Committee on Labor and Business, registered nurses from Providence Milwaukee Hospital voiced their strong support for Senate Bill 916, which aims to provide essential protections for workers engaged in strikes. The bill comes at a critical time as approximately 5,000 nurses are currently on strike, advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions.

The nurses shared personal testimonies highlighting the challenges they face in their profession, particularly the emotional and physical toll of understaffing and inadequate pay. One nurse emphasized that the financial burden of the strike is overwhelming, stating that Providence has spent significantly more on replacement nurses than it would have cost to settle the contract dispute. This tactic, they argue, is a deliberate strategy by the multi-billion dollar corporation to weaken the resolve of its workers.

Another nurse described the daily trauma of caring for patients while being stretched thin due to staffing shortages. She expressed concern that without legislative support, the hospital would continue to offer the lowest pay in the area, leading to high turnover rates and ultimately compromising patient care. The nurses underscored that their fight is not just for their own livelihoods but for the quality of care their patients receive.

The testimonies also called for changes to unemployment laws to support striking workers, allowing them to focus on their advocacy without the added stress of financial instability. The nurses urged the committee to pass Senate Bill 916, framing it as a necessary step toward ensuring fairness and dignity in the workplace.

As the strike continues, the nurses remain committed to their cause, emphasizing that their sacrifices are aimed at securing a better future for themselves, their patients, and the nursing profession as a whole. The committee's decision on this bill could have significant implications for labor rights and the healthcare landscape in Oregon.