April 30, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio Nurses Association:
DEFIANCE, Ohio – Registered nurses at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital, represented by the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) and AFT, have overwhelmingly rejected management’s “last, best, and final” offer — a proposal they say would worsen already unsafe staffing conditions, slash retirement security, and fail to deliver competitive wages.
With their contract temporarily extended until May 9, nurses are calling on hospital leadership to return to the bargaining table immediately and commit to real solutions that support safe care and a sustainable workforce — before time runs out.
“This offer isn’t just out of touch — it is dangerous,” said Nicole Vidak, Co-Chair of the ProMedica Defiance ONA Nurses Local. “We came to the table with real solutions. What we got in return were cuts and disrespect. Nurses are united in rejecting this deal because we know our patients deserve better.”
Key concerns include:
- Deliberate, chronic understaffing – Nurses are stretched to the breaking point. Without competitive wages and meaningful investments in retention, the patient care crisis will only worsen.
- Retirement Cuts – Gutting retirement security sends a clear message: the hospital is not invested in keeping experienced nurses or building a stable future for patient care.
“This fight is about the safety and future of our community,” said Rick Lucas, ONA President and Executive Director. “If ProMedica is serious about patient care, they’ll come back to the table before May 9 — with the fair contract our nurses and patients deserve.”
If hospital leadership refuses to act, nurses are prepared to hold an informational picket on May 10 to raise public awareness and demand accountability.
The message from Defiance nurses is clear: Respect us. Protect us. Partner with us. Our nurses deserve the dignity of a fair contract — and our community deserves nothing less than safe, quality care.
About ONA
Formed in 1904, the Ohio Nurses Association is a powerful network of nurses and health professionals. Our mission is to unite and empower nurses and health professionals, championing their rights, promoting professional practice, and advocating for quality care for all patients in Ohio, while fostering a strong and cohesive professional union community. To learn more or to become a member of the Ohio Nurses Association, visit https://ohnurses.org/.
