Unionized Doctors at 6 Legacy Health Hospitals to Hold News Conference on Stalled Bargaining, Problems Affecting Patient Care
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR:
May 9, 2025
Contact:
NWMU
503/522-3608
Media@NWMU.org
PORTLAND, Ore.—Unionized physicians from six Legacy Health hospitals in Oregon and Washington will hold a news conference on May 9 to discuss yearlong stalled contract negotiations and the significant issues Legacy refuses to address that are affecting safe patient care.
The hospitalists joined Northwest Medicine United, AFT Local 6552, in late 2023, but negotiations with Legacy have stalled, with the hospital system canceling several bargaining sessions, offering proposals that would make things worse for patients and refusing the union’s proposals to improve patient care and the recruitment and retention of physicians.
“Even before Legacy hospitalists unionized and began negotiations with Legacy over a year ago, we consistently prioritized doctor-to-patient ratios, work-shift structure and guaranteed recovery time out of the hospital,” said Dr. Mikeanne Minter, who works at Legacy’s Good Samaritan Medical Center and Emanuel Medical Center. “Our priorities ensure physician retention, career longevity, physician health, job satisfaction through providing high-quality patient care, and the ability to recruit hospitalists to meet community needs.”
However, Minter said, “Legacy has delayed coming to a mutually acceptable agreement by canceling sessions and failing to provide counteroffers. In order to serve patients and meet the care needs of community members, we must have sustainable hours, workloads and rest that prevent physician burnout.
“Coming to an acceptable agreement that allows for recruitment and retention of doctors working in Legacy hospitals is crucially important. We call upon community members to support this effort and encourage Legacy Health to negotiate effectively, efficiently and fairly.”
WHAT: News conference
WHEN: 10 a.m. PDT, May 9
WHERE: Dawson Park, 1 N. Stanton St., Portland
WHO: Unionized physicians from six Legacy Health hospitals
The Northwest Medicine United hospitalists work at Legacy Health’s Good Samaritan Medical Center, Emanuel Medical Center and Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland; Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham, Ore.; Meridian Park Medical Center in Tualatin, Ore.; and Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Wash.
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