Mt. Hood Nurses Secure Tentative Agreement with Legacy Health After Lengthy Negotiations

2025-08-24
Mt. Hood Nurses Secure Tentative Agreement with Legacy Health After Lengthy Negotiations
KPTV

Breaking News: Mt. Hood Nurses and Legacy Health Reach Tentative Contract Deal

After a demanding and extended mediation process, nurses at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center and Legacy Health have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) announced the news on Saturday, signaling a potential resolution to a dispute that has been ongoing for some time.

What Happened During Mediation?

The agreement followed what the ONA described as a “marathon mediation session,” indicating the intensity and complexity of the negotiations. Both sides reportedly worked tirelessly to bridge the gaps and find common ground, ultimately leading to this tentative agreement. Details regarding the specific terms of the agreement are currently being withheld pending a full review and ratification process.

What Does This Mean for Patients and the Community?

The nurses at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center play a vital role in serving the healthcare needs of the surrounding community. The resolution of this contract dispute brings a sense of stability and reassurance to patients and their families. A new contract ensures that nurses have the resources and support they need to provide the highest quality of care.

Next Steps: Ratification and Implementation

While a tentative agreement has been reached, it is crucial to understand that it is not yet finalized. The agreement will now be presented to the nurses for a vote, where they will decide whether to ratify the contract. If approved by the nurses, the contract will then be formally implemented. Legacy Health will also need to formally approve the terms.

Key Issues in the Negotiation

While specific details are limited, it's understood that key issues in the negotiation likely included wages, benefits, staffing levels, and workplace safety. Nurses have consistently emphasized the importance of adequate staffing to ensure patient safety and prevent burnout. Securing fair compensation and benefits is also a priority for the ONA, reflecting the demanding nature of nursing work and the rising cost of living.

Looking Ahead

This tentative agreement represents a significant step forward in resolving the contract dispute. The focus now shifts to the ratification process, with the hope that the nurses will approve the terms and a new contract will be in place soon. The outcome will undoubtedly impact the healthcare landscape in the Mt. Hood region and serve as a precedent for future negotiations between healthcare providers and nursing unions across Oregon and beyond.

Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.

Recommendations
Recommendations