An extensive strike involving approximately 31,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses and healthcare workers commenced on Tuesday. This five-day action is aimed at securing improved wages and staffing conditions.
Kaiser Permanente Nurses Strike Overview
The strike spans across 500 medical facilities in California, Hawaii, and Oregon. It marks the largest mobilization in the history of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals.
Potential Scope of the Strike
Organizers indicate that participation could expand to include up to 46,000 healthcare professionals. The striking workers consist of not only nurses but also pharmacists, midwives, and rehabilitation therapists.
Reasons for the Strike
The primary concerns revolve around two issues: wage increases and staffing shortages. The workers argue that their wages have not kept pace with inflation and that current staffing levels cannot meet rising patient demand.
- Workers are demanding a 25% wage increase over four years.
- They claim their wages currently lag at least 7% behind those of their counterparts.
Kaiser Permanente’s Response
Kaiser Permanente has proposed a counteroffer of a 21.5% wage increase over the same four-year period. The company asserts that its represented employees earn an average of 16% more than those in similar positions elsewhere.
Operational Impact During the Strike
Despite the strike, Kaiser Permanente plans to keep its health clinics and hospitals operational. Some services may be adjusted as follows:
- In-person appointments will shift to virtual formats.
- Some elective surgeries and procedures will be rescheduled to later dates.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is recognized as one of the largest not-for-profit health plans in the United States. Headquartered in Oakland, California, it serves approximately 12.6 million members through 600 medical offices and 40 hospitals, primarily located in western states.
