75,000 unhappy health care workers may strike this week.
More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente Health-Care Workers Prepare to Strike
Get ready for the biggest healthcare strike in US history as over 75,000 Kaiser Permanente health-care workers gear up to walk off their jobs. The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, consisting of eight unions, has been in discussions with the company over “unfair labor practices.” Despite ”good discussions,” an agreement couldn’t be reached, leading to a three-day strike starting Wednesday.
Right now Kaiser Permanente and union leaders are trying to avoid what would be the biggest healthcare strike in US history. Their contract just expired and there are still some outstanding issues. One union worker told me they just need more. pic.twitter.com/uOsVlJK5zm
— Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) October 1, 2023
The union coalition emphasized that this strike will be a powerful demonstration of their strength and determination. They stated, ”If Kaiser continues to commit unfair labor practices, we are prepared to engage in another longer, stronger strike in November.” They also highlighted the possibility of additional members joining from Washington state if Kaiser fails to agree to their terms.
The strike will impact medical staff such as nursing assistants, optometrists, pharmacists, X-ray and laboratory technicians, genetic counselors, and others. However, doctors, registered nurses, and hospital managers are not included. With the coalition representing about 40 percent of Kaiser’s workforce, significant backlogs in scheduling care at affected facilities are expected.
The coalition expressed frustration with Kaiser executives, stating, “Kaiser executives have the power to solve this problem. But, despite reporting more than $3 billion in profits in the first six months of this year, they are choosing not to.”
Some of the issues raised by the coalition include addressing staffing shortages, protecting against subcontracting and outsourcing, and canceling remote work. Despite Kaiser’s optimism about reaching an agreement, the strike seems inevitable.
Rest assured, contingency plans are in place to ensure members continue to receive safe, high-quality care during the strike. Stay tuned for updates on this historic health care strike.
The post Historic Health Care Strike Looms: 75,000 Disgruntled Industry Workers Could Walk off Their Jobs This Week appeared first on The Western Journal.
How has Kaiser Permanente responded to the accusations of unfair labor practices?
EnezCNN) October 15, 2019
The strike, which is set to begin on Wednesday, October 16, will see a wide range of healthcare workers, including nurses, therapists, technicians, and administrative staff, walking off their jobs. This will undoubtedly have a significant impact on patient care and create a challenging situation for the healthcare provider, Kaiser Permanente.
The main point of contention between the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions and the company is the accusation of unfair labor practices. Specific issues include subcontracting, wages, and workplace conditions. The unions argue that Kaiser Permanente is not living up to its promise of providing high-quality care for all by cutting back on staffing and outsourcing jobs to cheaper contractors. They also claim that the company is not doing enough to address workplace safety concerns and ensure fair compensation for their members.
According to the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, negotiations have been ongoing for several months. Despite some progress and what the unions describe as “good discussions,” the parties have been unable to reach an agreement that satisfies both sides. The three-day strike is their way of making their dissatisfaction known and expressing their desire for improved working conditions and fair treatment.
In preparation for the strike, the unions have been organizing picket lines, rallies, and other actions to build support and raise awareness of their cause. They have also been reaching out to communities, elected officials, and other unions to garner as much support as possible.
Kaiser Permanente, on the other hand, argues that they have been negotiating in good faith and have made significant concessions to address the concerns of the unions. They have emphasized their commitment to providing high-quality care and state that they have offered pay increases, improved benefits, and measures to address workplace safety.
However, with over 75,000 workers ready to strike, it is clear that there is a disconnect between the two sides. The scale of this strike is unprecedented in the history of healthcare labor disputes in the United States. It highlights the increasing dissatisfaction among healthcare workers who feel that their working conditions are being compromised and their voices are not being heard.
The impact of this strike will not only be felt by Kaiser Permanente but also by the patients who rely on their services. With a shortage of staffing, patient care will inevitably be affected, and delays in treatment and longer wait times can be expected. This raises concerns about the potential compromise of patient safety and the overall quality of care provided during the strike.
As Wednesday approaches, both sides continue their efforts to find a resolution and avert the strike. The stakes are high, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for both the healthcare workers and Kaiser Permanente. It remains to be seen whether an agreement can be reached or if the strike will proceed as planned.
Regardless of the outcome, this strike is shining a spotlight on the growing concerns and frustrations within the healthcare industry. It serves as a reminder that healthcare workers play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of patients and deserve fair treatment and working conditions. The resolution of this dispute will undoubtedly have ramifications for the future of healthcare labor relations in the United States.
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