Here is information on the ongoing strike of Kaiser Permanente mental health providers reported by Becker’s since Aug. 15:
1.The National Union of Healthcare Workers and Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser began contract negotiations more than a year ago. At an Aug. 12-13 bargaining session, Kaiser failed to meet the requests of the strikers, who are pushing for wage increases, staffing increases and more time for administrative tasks to better treat patients.
2. After a three-day strike in May, mental health worker members of the National Union of Healthcare Workers planned tobegin an open-ended strike at Kaiser Permanente mental health facilities in Hawaii Aug. 29. The union contends Kaiser’s mental health clinics in Hawaii are understaffed, leading to dangerously long wait times for therapy sessions that surpass clinical guidelines.
3. The strike has continued for nine days, as of Aug. 23. Deb Catsavas, senior vice president of human resources at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, told Becker’s that the union’s proposal would reduce time available to care for patients and their mental health needs.