31,000 Kaiser Permanente Health Workers in California, Hawaii Strike
In a significant move, 31,000 Kaiser Permanente health care workers across California and Hawaii began a strike aimed at addressing critical issues such as safe staffing levels, fair compensation, and timely patient care. This strike commenced at 7 a.m. and involves members from the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, including registered nurses, pharmacists, and physician assistants.
Reasons Behind the Strike
- Concerns over staffing levels and workload
- Demand for fair wages
- Need for improved patient care access
Union officials have voiced their frustration regarding Kaiser’s bargaining approach. Charmaine S. Morales, RN and president of UNAC/UHCP, expressed that the negotiations have been ongoing for nearly a year. She highlighted the urgent need for fair wages that consider recruitment and retention of healthcare staff.
Nurses on the Picket Line
Nurses participating in the strike report feeling overwhelmed by their patient loads. One nurse stated that patients often wait several hours in emergency rooms due to understaffing. This chronic issue has led to crowded waiting rooms and inadequate care for patients.
Union Actions and Allegations
The union filed an unfair labor practice charge against Kaiser with the National Labor Relations Board. They allege that Kaiser abandoned the bargaining process in December and ignored the agreed-upon national negotiation protocol.
Strike Locations
Pickets are taking place at various Kaiser facilities, including:
- Anaheim Medical Center, 3440 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim
- Downey Medical Center, 9333 Imperial Highway, Downey
- South Bay Medical Center, 25825 Vermont Ave., Harbor City
- Los Angeles Medical Center, 4867 Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood
- West Los Angeles Medical Center, 6041 Cadillac Ave., Mid-City Los Angeles
- Baldwin Park Medical Center, 1011 Baldwin Park Blvd., Baldwin Park
- Panorama City Medical Center, 13651 Willard St., Panorama City
- Woodland Hills Medical Center, 5601 De Soto Ave., Woodland Hills
Kaiser Permanente’s Response
Kaiser Permanente asserts that it has put forward the most substantial compensation package in its national bargaining history. This includes a proposed 21.5% wage increase, which the organization claims surpasses pay rates for similar positions elsewhere.
In a statement, Kaiser emphasized its commitment to ensuring high-quality, affordable care while recognizing employees’ contributions. They expressed readiness to finalize agreements locally and maintain hospital operations, despite the strike.
Impact of the Strike
While hospitals will remain operational during the strike, some non-urgent and elective surgeries may be postponed. Certain pharmacy services could also face closures during this period.
As events unfold, both patients and healthcare workers remain hopeful for a swift resolution to the ongoing strike.
