Legacy Health Avoids Strike, Gives Workers New Help With Health Insurance

The two sides reached a tentative agreement Nov. 1, the same day WW highlighted the plight of Nicole Lewis.

By Nigel Jaquiss
Legacy Emanuel Emergency Room (WW Staff)

Following three last-minute, federally mediated bargaining sessions, Legacy Health averted a strike by Service Employees International Union Local 49, which represents 800 Legacy workers.

Related: A hospital worker faces collection notices—from her own employer.

The two sides reached a tentative agreement Nov. 1, the same day WW highlighted the plight of Nicole Lewis, a Legacy employee who faced collection notices from her employer.

Workers approved the new contract Nov. 6, just two days before a scheduled strike. Workers will now have access to a full-time counselor to help them navigate financial assistance programs and the complexities of their health insurance, and avoid collections.

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health insuranceLegacy Healthorganized laborSEIU Local 49strike

Nigel Jaquiss

Nigel Jaquiss

Reporter Nigel Jaquiss joined the Oregon Journalism project in 2025 after 27 years at Willamette Week.

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