Oregon Nurses Win Major Contract, 21.5% Wage Hikes

0:00Nurses and health pros in Oregon just locked in a big win against Kaiser Permanente. Their union, the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, voted 90% in favor of a new contract after a full year of tough. Talks, a five-day strike last October, and a no-confidence slap at the CEO. Turnout hits 78%, stealing the deal. The contract packs 21.5% wage hikes across the board, with some folks seeing over 30% total, thanks to first year. Market boosts, it guards health and retirement benefits, sinks expiration dates for all six bargaining units, ups to vision help, adds family coverage, pay lactation, breaks, better accommodations, a stronger minimum wage floor, and limits on AI rollout. Union President Serena Rohar called it a team victory, crediting members unity, patient backing, and labor allies nationwide. Communities rallied hard, turning pressure into power for better jobs and patient care down the line.

1:01This came after December tentative local deals stalled over national snags with Kaiser's alliance of 23 unions, the longest bargaining, stretch ever. Kaiser shifted open items to local tables, letting this union push ahead while saving national gains in a new partnership at Indom. No full retro pay from the October contract end workers, give back pay only to march ratification, with raises hitting checks by July. As a solid step forward, building worker strength amid bigger health care battles. Stay informed with Vancouver news today, AI powered updates, I'm Corey with the story.