Frontline nurses at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center held a public rally Wednesday evening, Oct. 16, to advocate for better work conditions and improve healthcare services for the community they serve.
The informational picket was held beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the public sidewalks outside the medical center, 24800 S.E. Stark St.
About 40 nurses and some family members had gathered on the sidewalk right at 4:30 p.m. with others making their way toward the picket line at the hospital's shift change. It was estimated that as many as 400 could join the demonstration throughout the two-hour event.
Speakers included Oregon Nurses Association leadership, community members and elected officials, including Rep. Zach Hudson, D-Troutdale.
“Your nurses are fighting for a fair contract because we believe our community deserves better healthcare, safety and security,” the Oregon Nurses Association said in a statement.
The public demonstration was not a strike or work stoppage.
Nurses at Legacy Mount Hood have been without a contract since they organized in April 2023.
They will meet with Legacy executives on Thursday, Oct. 17, for their 18th negotiation session. Union leadership say the Legacy executives have “refused to respond to basic contract proposals and seem uninterested in planning for the hospital and community’s future.”
The hope is to secure a contract before the potential OHSU acquisition.
