Over 31,000 healthcare workers across Kaiser Permanente facilities in California and Hawaii have walked off the job, commencing an open-ended strike that aims to address what the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) describes as alleged unfair labor practices by the healthcare giant. The strike, which started Monday morning, is focused on securing a fair contract agreement over staffing levels, wages, and the safety of patients, as detailed by a statement obtained by FOX LA.
UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine S. Morales underscored the gravity of the situation, saying, "We're not going on strike to make noise. We're striking because Kaiser has committed serious unfair labor practices and because Kaiser refuses to bargain in good faith over staffing that protects patients, workload standards that stop moral injury and the respect and dignity that Kaiser caregivers have been denied for far too long," a sentiment echoed in an interview with NBC Los Angeles. Morales also emphasized the legitimacy of striking as a means to defend their profession and patient care.
In response, Kaiser Permanente has indicated readiness to continue discussions and touted its current offer as "the strongest compensation package in our national bargaining history." Camille Applin-Jones, Kaiser's Senior Vice President for Southern California, stated that the current proposal includes a "21.5% wage increase over the life of the contract," details of which were shared by Reuters. Despite this, the union has lodged a charge against Kaiser Permanente with the National Labor Relations Board.
The walkout is affecting a network of hospitals and medical facilities where picket lines have been established. Some non-urgent appointments and procedures might be rescheduled, even as the company moves to uphold patient care standards during the strike. Notably, not all unions part of the Alliance of Health Care Unions are participating in a the strike action. Updated information, including which services could be impacted, can be found on Kaiser's website, as mentioned in the guidance posted on NBC Los Angeles.
