Today, November 10, at 4:30 p.m., members of the Professionals bargaining unit, along with patients, community supporters, and other healthcare workers will walk the picket line at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center to demand management settle a fair contract and ensure a great future of care. This picket is being organized by the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP, AFT Local 5017, AFL-CIO) as part of what has now become a years-long campaign to demand justice for the PeaceHealth Southwest Professionals.
The Professionals, who include caregivers such as dietitians, social workers, chaplains, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, exercise physiologists, bereavement counselors and pharmacists, have been bargaining over key issues since September 2025 and say they are still waiting for management to address the issues that affect the future of the care system. These include economic issues such as fair wages, layoffs, and the outsourcing of jobs to private equity. Caregivers say these issues have made PeaceHealth Southwest less able to attract and retain qualified staff and could affect the future of patient care.
“We’ve been bargaining for over a year, despite OFNHP presenting a complete proposal to PeaceHealth on day one,” says Meredith Freeland, a dietitian who serves on the union’s bargaining team. “As Clark County continues to grow, being able to maintain safe staffing levels and attract top talent is important, and having a fair agreement in place will help make it happen.”
This picket is being supported by the local labor federation, political leaders, patients and community healthcare advocates. Professionals will be available on-site for interviews with the press.
Location: PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, 400 NE Mother Joseph Place, Vancouver, WA
The picket line will be in front of the main entrance off Mill Plain Blvd.
Date: November 10, 4:30–6:30 p.m.