Oregon doctors to hold informational picket

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Doctors at an Oregon hospital are planning an informational picket after more than a year of unsuccessful negotiations with the hospital owner.

The Register-Guard reported that doctors at Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend say they were the first group of U.S. hospitalists to start a labor union in late 2014, but they haven’t been able to agree on a contract with hospital owner PeaceHealth.

The picket will be held outside the hospital in June and should not affect operations. The union said it is protesting decisions about patient loads, among other issues.

PeaceHealth Vice President of Labor and Caregiver Relations Debra Miller said the company respects the doctors’ right to picket but is “very disappointed.” She said the two sides are close to reaching an agreement.