Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University has released more information regarding its plans to lay off at least 500 employees.
OHSU notified staff of the plans on June 6, citing financial challenges. On June 7, the institution issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice to the state, indicating that it intends to implement a permanent layoff of some employees on or after Aug. 9.
"At this time, OHSU is not renewing the contract of 142 employees whose jobs are being permanently eliminated as part of its annual renewal process," the notice states. "This does not independently trigger the required WARN notices, but because of its strategic realignment process, OHSU anticipates additional permanent layoffs within the next 90 days. As these permanent layoffs are identified, OHSU will provide a supplemental notice."
Some of the 142 affected positions not being renewed are members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Council 75, "that is actively in bargaining, but there are no company or contractual provisions for transfer, bumping or reassignment which apply to these positions," the notice states.
Willamette Week was first to report OHSU's plans to lay off at least 500 employees, which follows the institution and Portland-based Legacy Health signing a binding, definitive agreement to come together as one health system under OHSU Health.
An OHSU spokesperson told Becker's no additional information about the nature of the reductions is available at this time.
"More information will be provided in the coming weeks," the spokesperson added.