Kaiser Permanente health care workers completed their three-day strike on Friday and were expected to resume work early Saturday morning without a new contract.
Negotiation sessions were not scheduled until Thursday, Oct. 12, and Friday, Oct. 13, with union officials warning of a possible future walkout. The two sides had not yet reached an agreement on several key issues, including wage increases.
The union officials stated in a statement, “Outsourcing of critical health care duties has become a key sticking point in negotiations in recent days, as Kaiser executives have refused to put limitations on subcontracting and outsourcing, which keep experienced health care workers in jobs and provide strong continuity of care for patients.”
The effects of the strike were immediately evident, as Kaiser had to reschedule appointments and procedures, including non-urgent surgeries. However, the organization brought in outside workers to keep its hospitals and care centers open.
Over half of Kaiser’s 106 laboratories in Southern California were closed on Friday as well as nearly two dozen medical offices in Oregon and Washington. Kaiser encouraged patients to use mail-order pharmacy services and conduct virtual visits instead of visiting offices.
The acting head of the U.S. Department of Labor, Julie A. Su, met with officials from both sides and plans to be present when talks resume on Thursday.
This strike occurred amidst a time of labor unrest nationwide, with unions across various industries taking action due to the tight labor market. Health workers have also expressed frustration with working conditions and pay, leading to strikes in several cities.
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, which represents about half of Kaiser’s unionized workforce and over 75,000 workers, was involved in the strike. The unions are fighting for improved staffing levels and better working conditions.
For Kaiser Permanente, the labor action marked a turning point in its relationship with employees. Many workers are struggling financially and are angered by the high salaries of Kaiser executives.
John August, former executive director for the coalition of Kaiser unions, said, “The lower-wage workers are finding they are falling behind.”
Timothy Regan, a clinical health educator, expressed the desire for a collaborative partnership and good working conditions for future generations.
Soumya Karlamangla contributed reporting.