Legacy Mt. Hood nurses avoid strike, reach tentative contract agreement

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The threat of a nurses strike at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center may have helped the bargaining unit reach a tentative deal with management.

The Oregon Nurses Association said Saturday the 440 registered nurses reached a tentative deal after a “marathon mediation session.” The nurses need to ratify the deal, but details of when the ratification vote may take place were not immediately available.

“This tentative agreement demonstrates a real commitment to frontline caregivers, patients, and our community as a whole,” bargaining team member Jenni Suarez said in a statement. “If ratified, this contract will help recruit and retain nurses and ensure our patients receive the care they need and deserve.”

The ONA said the deal includes:

• Just cause protections to prevent unfair discipline or termination.
• A strong grievance process with binding arbitration to ensure fair enforcement of the contract.
• A transparent, published wage scale that guarantees consistency and equity.
• Competitive wages in line with other hospital systems.
• Dedicated security staffing to keep frontline caregivers safe.
• Paid time off for nurses recovering from workplace assaults.
• A union shop to strengthen solidarity and support union growth.

Another Legacy Mount Hood nurse, Christie Mikrut, said, “This contract is a fantastic foundation to build on for all the nurses who will follow.”

In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Legacy Health officials said: “Legacy Health and the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), representing nurses at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, have reached a tentative agreement. We are pleased with this development, which reflects our continued commitment to supporting our nurses and ensuring high-quality care for our patients and the communities we serve. The tentative agreement now moves to represented nurses for a ratification vote.”