Central Oregon Providers Seek Union at St. Charles
More than 180 advanced practice providers have delivered a declaration asking St. Charles administrators to recognize their union.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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More than 180 advanced practice providers at St. Charles facilities delivered a declaration calling on administrators to recognize their union. The providers, who seek to join the Oregon Nurses Association, span 30 departments and 25 specialties across hospitals and clinics in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Madras and La Pine.
Why it matters
The effort comes as Central Oregon providers cite upcoming federal legislative changes as increasing the urgency to organize, while regional health care staffing has struggled to keep pace with population growth. A union would give the group collective bargaining power in the region's largest health system.
The declaration covers more than 180 advanced practice providers, including nurse practitioners, physician associates and certified nurse midwives, across 30 departments and 25 specialties. Whether administrators will voluntarily recognize the union remains unresolved.
The players
Oregon Nurses Association
The Oregon Nurses Association is a labor union representing more than 26,000 frontline health professionals across Oregon, including nearly 1,500 registered nurses at St. Charles facilities.
St. Charles Health System
St. Charles Health System is a nonprofit health system operating hospitals and clinics across Central Oregon, including facilities in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Madras and La Pine.
The details
Advanced practice providers at St. Charles delivered a declaration requesting union recognition, and an overwhelming majority of eligible providers signed it. If administrators decline voluntary recognition, organizers plan to petition the National Labor Relations Board for a union election, where a simple majority of votes would determine recognition.
Timeline
Nov. 6, 2026: Providers delivered the declaration calling for union recognition.
Over the past five years: More than 10,000 Oregon health professionals voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association.
Roadmap
Organizing drives in Oregon's health sector have accelerated, with more than 10,000 health professionals voting to join the Oregon Nurses Association over five years. The St. Charles effort follows that pattern as providers respond to federal changes tied to the "Big Beautiful Bill."
Patients at St. Charles facilities could see changes to how providers are staffed and compensated if a union is recognized. Residents across Central Oregon may also feel effects from expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits that could raise insurance costs.
The takeaway
Health workers across Oregon are increasingly choosing collective representation as federal funding changes reshape the sector. Readers following care costs in Central Oregon should watch whether St. Charles accepts voluntary recognition or moves toward a formal election.
Further reading
For related coverage of staffing and labor in the sector, see Nursing Jobs in Oregon.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTVZ.
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