Summary
Nearly 50,000 health care workers from Kaiser Permanente on the West Coast are planning to strike on October 14, 2023. The strike is due to issues like understaffing and fair pay after the workers' contracts expired at the end of September and early October. The union leading the strike says Kaiser Permanente needs to do more to improve working conditions and patient care.
Key Facts
- About 50,000 Kaiser Permanente workers may strike on October 14, 2023.
- The strike notice was given after workers' contracts expired on September 30 and October 1.
- The Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals and the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals are involved.
- Key issues include understaffing, low wages, and enhanced retirement security.
- The strike would be the largest by UNAC/UHCP against Kaiser Permanente.
- The unions accuse Kaiser of investing too little in current facilities and staff.
- Kaiser Permanente has $64 billion in reserves, much of it saved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
