CaliforniaDistrict of ColumbiaGeneral NewsStrikesU.S. NewsVirginia Multiple US Hospitals Witness Three-Day Strike by Health Care Workers by Madison Thomas October 4, 2023 written by Madison Thomas October 4, 2023 2 comments Bookmark 36 Tens of thousands of employees from Kaiser Permanente organized picket lines across several states this past Wednesday, initiating a large-scale strike that the organization cautioned could lead to delays in service at its healthcare facilities serving nearly 13 million individuals across the United States. The Union Coalition for Kaiser Permanente, which represents approximately 85,000 employees across the nation, sanctioned a three-day strike in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, as well as a one-day strike in Virginia and the District of Columbia. An estimated 75,000 individuals were anticipated to join the picketing. Mikki Fletchall, a licensed vocational nurse employed at a Kaiser facility in Camarillo, California, expressed, “The management is not heeding the concerns of frontline health care professionals. We are on strike for the sake of our patients.” The nonprofit healthcare provider affirmed that its 39 hospitals, inclusive of emergency units, would continue operations. While physicians are not part of the strike, the Oakland, California-headquartered Kaiser is recruiting thousands of temporary staff to mitigate service gaps. Nevertheless, postponements in non-urgent procedures and appointments are expected. Early on the strike’s inaugural day, employees at Kaiser Permanente’s Los Angeles Medical Center celebrated as the strike formally commenced. The strikers comprised various roles such as licensed vocational nurses, home health aides, ultrasound sonographers, as well as technicians in radiology, X-ray, surgical, pharmacy, and emergency departments. Brittany Everidge, a clerk transcriber in the medical center’s maternal-child health department, mentioned that staffing inadequacies often lead to pregnant individuals enduring prolonged wait times for check-ins. Insufficient numbers of transcribers also contribute to delays in updating new-borns’ records. Carlos Herrera, a 65-year-old patient, expressed his support for the strike, citing the need for more staff to address existing shortages and provide adequate patient care. The labor action occurs in a year characterized by numerous strikes across various industries such as transportation, entertainment, and hospitality. According to Johnnie Kallas, Ph.D. student and project director of Cornell University’s Labor Action Tracker, around 453,000 workers have been involved in 312 strikes in the U.S. this year, a figure that includes those from Kaiser. Demands from the unions representing Kaiser workers include a minimum hourly wage of $25, as well as subsequent annual increases. They argue that understaffing enriches the company while detrimentally affecting patient care. The California legislature has forwarded a bill to Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom that proposes to elevate the minimum wage for the state’s 455,000 healthcare workers to $25 per hour over the next ten years. The governor has until October 14 to either sign or veto the legislation. Contributions to this report were made by Tom Murphy, a writer based in Indianapolis. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kaiser Permanente StrikeWhat is the reason behind the Kaiser Permanente health care workers’ strike?Who is participating in the strike and where is it happening?What impact will the strike have on hospital operations?How many people are expected to participate in the pickets?What roles are represented among the striking workers?What are the strikers’ demands?How is Kaiser Permanente responding to the strike?Has there been any governmental involvement?Are doctors participating in the strike?Is this strike part of a larger trend?More about Kaiser Permanente Strike Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kaiser Permanente Strike What is the reason behind the Kaiser Permanente health care workers’ strike? The health care workers, represented by the Union Coalition for Kaiser Permanente, are striking primarily due to concerns over inadequate staffing levels and the impact this has on patient care. Who is participating in the strike and where is it happening? Approximately 85,000 employees represented by the Union Coalition for Kaiser Permanente are involved in the strike. The action is taking place across multiple states including California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington for three days, and in Virginia and the District of Columbia for one day. What impact will the strike have on hospital operations? Kaiser Permanente has warned that the strike may lead to delays in appointments and non-urgent procedures. However, all 39 hospitals, including emergency rooms, are expected to remain open. How many people are expected to participate in the pickets? Around 75,000 individuals are anticipated to join the picketing activities. What roles are represented among the striking workers? The strikers include a range of roles such as licensed vocational nurses, home health aides, ultrasound sonographers, as well as technicians in radiology, X-ray, surgical, pharmacy, and emergency departments. What are the strikers’ demands? The unions are asking for a minimum hourly wage of $25, along with annual wage increases. They assert that understaffing is benefiting the company’s profits at the expense of patient care. How is Kaiser Permanente responding to the strike? The company is recruiting thousands of temporary workers to fill in service gaps and maintain operations. They have also stated that their compensation and retention practices are competitive within the industry. Has there been any governmental involvement? The California legislature has sent a bill to Governor Gavin Newsom that proposes increasing the minimum wage for health care workers to $25 per hour over the next ten years. The governor has until October 14 to make a decision on the bill. Are doctors participating in the strike? No, physicians are not part of the strike. Is this strike part of a larger trend? Yes, this labor action occurs in a year characterized by multiple strikes across various industries including transportation, entertainment, and hospitality. According to Cornell University’s Labor Action Tracker, approximately 453,000 workers have been involved in 312 strikes in the U.S. this year. More about Kaiser Permanente Strike Kaiser Permanente Official Statement on Strike Union Coalition for Kaiser Permanente Strike Details Healthcare Strikes in the U.S. 2023 Overview Labor Action Tracker by Cornell University California Legislature Bill on Healthcare Workers’ Minimum Wage Overview of Hospital Staffing Issues and Trends Healthcare Financial Management Association Insights on Hospital Revenue and Costs You Might Be Interested In Tragic Incident in India: Over 200 Fatalities and 800 Injured as 2 Trains Derail Trump and Fellow Republicans Utilize Antiquated Red Scare Tactics, Labeling Democrats as ‘Marxists,’ ‘Communists’ At least 10 Thai hostages released by Hamas New York’s Lincoln Center Hosts Post-Pandemic Collective Wedding Natalee Holloway disappearance suspect pleads not guilty to extorting victim’s mother Dominican Republic’s president stands resolute on his closing of all borders with Haiti CaliforniaDistrict of ColumbiaGeneral NewsHealth Care WorkersKaiser Permanentelabor strikePatient CareService DelaysStrikesVirginia Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Madison Thomas Follow Author Madison Thomas is a food journalist who covers the latest news and trends in the world of cuisine. She enjoys exploring new recipes and culinary trends, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors to try. previous post Investigation Underway Following Reports of Multiple Shootings in Downtown Holyoke, Massachusetts next post A Chicago woman died in a hotel freezer in 2017. Now her mother has reached a settlement You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 2 comments HealthcarePro100 October 5, 2023 - 2:40 am kaiser’s hospitals stay open, but delays in appts n’ stuff, bit worrisome. Reply UnionSupporter23 October 5, 2023 - 5:43 am unions demandin’ more $$$$ Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ