More than 8,600 health care workers from Kaiser Permanente, represented by USW Local 7600, are preparing to strike. They have issued a 10-day strike notice, a mandatory step before taking job action under federal law. If negotiations do not lead to an agreement, the strike is set to commence on Tuesday, October 14.
Background on USW Local 7600’s Actions
Workers at Kaiser Permanente, including Licensed Vocational Nurses, Medical Assistants, and engineers, have been in negotiations since April. They seek improvements in patient safety measures, staffing levels, and fair wages. National bargaining, organized by the Alliance of Health Care Unions (AHCU), has also been underway since May. This national initiative involves over 52,000 Kaiser Permanente employees.
Key Issues Under Negotiation
- Patient safety protections
- Staffing levels and ratios
- Fair wages
Despite ongoing discussions, significant issues remain unaddressed. Contracts for Kaiser workers in California and nationally expired in late September and early October, leading to heightened tensions.
Statement from Local Leadership
Micheal Barnett, President of USW Local 7600, emphasized the commitment of workers to both patient care and their professional integrity. “Issuing this notice indicates our seriousness. If Kaiser ignores our concerns, our members are prepared to strike in defense of safe staffing and quality care,” he stated. Barnett further criticized Kaiser’s reluctance to address their demands for a fair contract.
Union Representation
The United Steelworkers (USW) represents approximately 850,000 workers across various industries, including health care, mining, and public service. As the situation develops, USW Local 7600 continues to stand with its members in advocating for vital changes in their working conditions.
