Tens of thousands of Kaiser Permanente workers across multiple states are set for a five-day strike Oct. 14.
Seven things to know:
1. The strike involves several member locals of the Alliance of Health Care Unions, a federation of 23 union locals representing 62,000 employees. A spokesperson for Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser told Becker’s that about 43,000 workers represented by unions currently in negotiations are eligible to participate in the strike.
2. Members of the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals and United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals are among those expected to strike. OFNHP anticipates about 4,000 of its members to strike at Kaiser facilities in Oregon and southwest Washington. UNAC/UHCP anticipates 31,000 of its members to strike at Kaiser facilities across California and Hawaii.
3. The strike comes as Kaiser has been negotiating with the alliance for a new labor contract since May. Contracts for alliance members expired Sept. 30 or Oct. 1.
4. In a statement shared with Becker’s, Kaiser said its latest offer increases union members’ “already above-market wages by an additional 21.5% over the four-year contract. The offer also enhances employees’ high-value medical plans and retiree benefits.”
5. Union members contend that during negotiations, Kaiser failed to address their concerns regarding issues such as staffing and pay and benefits. “What we’ve asked for are real solutions to the staffing crisis, fair wages that let workers stay in our communities and a voice in how care is delivered. Kaiser’s response has been to delay and disregard,” OFNHP President Sarina Roher, RN, said in a news release shared with Becker’s.
6. Kaiser said hospitals and medical offices will remain open during the strike. However, for some cases, it is shifting appointments to virtual care (phone, video, e-chat) and may need to reschedule certain appointments, elective surgeries and procedures, the health system said.
7. Kaiser is onboarding up to 7,600 nurses, clinicians and other staff to work during the strike, the majority of whom have worked at Kaiser previously. More than 1,000 Kaiser employees have also volunteered to be reassigned to work in strike locations.
More information about the strike and care during the strike is available here and here.