Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Workers Strike Across California and Hawaii
Approximately 31,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers initiated a strike across California and Hawaii on Monday, starting at 7 a.m. The action involves members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), including registered nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
Union's Stance
UNAC/UHCP stated that the strike addresses concerns over safe staffing levels, fair compensation, and timely patient care. Charmaine S. Morales, RN, president of UNAC/UHCP, indicated that negotiations have been ongoing for nearly a year, focusing on fair wages to recruit and retain staff, improve patient access, and manage workload.
Nurses on the picket lines reported feeling overwhelmed by patient loads, citing extended wait times in emergency rooms due to understaffing.
The union filed an unfair labor practice charge against Kaiser with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging the company disengaged from bargaining in December and attempted to bypass the agreed-upon national bargaining process.
Kaiser Permanente's Response
Kaiser Permanente stated that its current proposal represents the strongest compensation package in its national bargaining history, including a 21.5% wage increase. The company asserts that its employees already receive higher pay than individuals in comparable roles at other organizations.
Kaiser emphasized its commitment to reaching agreements that acknowledge employee contributions while ensuring high-quality, affordable care.
In a statement, Kaiser noted that employees are due raises, and patients deserve full attention, advocating against prolonged disputes.
Impact on Services
Kaiser Permanente officials confirmed that hospitals would remain operational, with plans in place to ensure patients receive necessary care during the strike. However, some non-urgent and elective surgeries may be rescheduled, and certain pharmacies could experience closures.