Primary care clinicians at Corvallis, Ore.-based Samaritan Health Services have voted to join Northwest Medicine United, an AFT Healthcare affiliate, according to a union news release shared with Becker’s.
The union said it will represent about 120 physicians, nurse practitioners and physician associates across 24 Samaritan primary care clinics in Oregon. The clinicians will prepare to negotiate a first contract.
“I am eager to start bargaining so that we can advocate for the time, staffing and resources we need to provide the care this community deserves,” Hannah Balduff, PA-C, a Samaritan primary care physician associate, said in the release.
Samaritan said initial results of the National Labor Relations Board election favor union representation. “We respect their decision and will proceed with the collective bargaining process once the results are certified and a bargaining request is received,” Scott Russell, system vice president of human resources, said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “Our focus remains on caring for our patients and maintaining a respectful and collaborative working environment.”
The union filed for an election in August. Northwest Medicine United also represents physicians and advanced practice providers at PeaceHealth, Providence, MultiCare and Legacy Health. Samaritan is set to join MultiCare Nov. 1.
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