Legacy nurses make history with vote to unionize

Nurses at Portland, Ore.’s Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, and Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center have overwhelmingly voted to unionize with the Oregon Nurses Association, marking a historic moment for healthcare workers in Oregon. The vote represents a hard-fought victory for nearly 2,300 nurses who have long sought a collective voice in advocating for their patients, profession and working conditions.

The votes cast on Feb. 5 and 6 saw near-unanimous support from nurses at all three Portland-area hospitals. The success of this campaign reflects the unwavering commitment and determination of Legacy nurses, many of whom have been working toward this moment since the fall of 2021.

“This victory is about nurses standing together for the future of our profession, our patients and our hospitals,” says Sarah Zavala, a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Legacy Emanuel. “We’re ready to build a strong contract that protects and empowers nurses so we can continue to provide the best care possible.”

The unionization effort brings 599 nurses at Randall Children’s Hospital, 1,095 nurses at Emanuel, and 596 nurses at Good Samaritan under ONA representation. With this vote, they now move forward in negotiating their first union contracts, aiming to address workplace safety, staffing shortages and fair compensation.

For many nurses, this victory is the culmination of many years of advocacy. “Legacy nurses have waited decades for this moment,” says Zavala. “Unionizing with ONA is about empowering nurses to provide the highest standard of care, ensuring safe staffing, and protecting the well-being of both staff and patients.”

The decision to unionize comes amid growing concerns about staffing levels, workplace safety and transparency in hospital decision-making—issues that have been amplified by the recent merger between Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy. Legacy nurses have faced chronic understaffing, wage disparities and a lack of involvement in decisions that directly affect patient care.

By joining ONA, these nurses gain a powerful platform to advocate for fair treatment, equitable workplace practices, and policies that enhance both patient care and the well-being of healthcare professionals.

[Adrienne Coles, ONA press release]