Asante tech workers vote to unionize

In a vote certified by the National Labor Relations Board on June 9, more than 250 healthcare technical professionals at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Ore., overwhelmingly decided to join the Oregon Nurses Association. 

The newly formed union includes radiologic technologists, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants and surgical technicians. As members of ONA, these health professionals will have the solidarity and support of more than 16,000 health professionals across the state, including the 925 registered nurses at ARRMC. 

“We are thrilled,” says Cheyanne Laber, an ultrasound technologist who has worked at ARRMC for four years. “We worked together across every department to build for this victory. Now, we will have a real voice to advocate for the dignity and working conditions that will allow us to deliver the best care for our community.”

“Since I started at ARRMC, I’ve seen management make more and more decisions that put profits ahead of our patients,” Laber says. “And I’ve also seen how our RN colleagues have been able to fight for themselves and our patients because they have a union. My colleagues and I are ready to begin negotiating a contract that’s grounded in the best interests of workers and patients.”

The main priorities for the tech workers are achieving appropriate staffing levels to fully care for patients, fair pay and benefits to recruit and retain workers, and dignity and voice on the job to ensure that their expertise is respected. Now that their union has been officially certified, members will begin the process of negotiating a contract with the hospital management.

[Adrienne Coles, Oregon Nurses Association press release]