PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The largest healthcare strike in Oregon's history began its first full week on Monday, with nearly 5,000 nurses and over100 doctors hitting the picket lines as union negotiations continue with Providence Health.

Healthcare workers began the strike on Friday, picketing at multiple hospitals and clinics across Oregon.

The strike includes nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, certified nurse midwives, and other healthcare professionals at eight Providence hospitals and six Providence Women’s Clinics across Oregon.

Unionized workers say they are fighting for higher pay and better working conditions, including improved nurse-to-patient ratios. The Oregon Nurses Association, the union representing the workers, has accused Providence of violating an Oregon law that sets minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Healthcare workers strike enters second day as Providence faces pressure to negotiate

Providence and ONA have been trying to reach an agreement for more than a year.

At an ONA rally on Sunday, supporters including state representative Travis Nelson, hyped up the workers on strike.

"Providence is likely committing unfair labor practices by walking away from the bargaining table. They're lying to them saying they had to walk away so they could prepare for a strike. When we all know that this is a tactic," Nelson said.

“I am tired of seeing my nurses get disrespected as Providence refuses to bargain in good faith even after a strike notice. Our patients see what happening and they demand better,” Nurse Virginia Smith told supporters at the rally.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek told Providence to get back to the bargaining table after not negotiating for the 10 days leading up to the strike.

On Saturday, Providence said that thanks to the hundreds of nurses who reported to work despite the strike.

"I'm so grateful for the strong ONA-represented caregiver response and of those that reported for work. We've seen more than 600 of them. That's 400% higher than we've seen in previous work stoppages. Thanks to them and thanks to our ministry teams who have worked so hard in advance of the strike to make sure that we were well planned and well prepared. We're in a position to resume discussing negotiations," said Jennifer Burrows, the Chief Executive at Providence Oregon.

Providence also stated they are in a position to resume talks and that messages have been sent to a federal mediator.

The union says strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

The ONA also reminded patients not to delay seeking medical care if they are sick, and emphasized that seeking necessary medical care is not considered crossing the strike line.