After nearly four months on strike, Kaiser Permanente's mental health workers in Southern California said Friday they’re ready to enter mediation at Governor Gavin Newsom’s request, with talks possibly starting Feb. 17.
Why it matters
In a letter dated Thursday to the National Union of Healthcare Workers and Kaiser CEO, Greg Adams, Newsom stressed the urgency of getting mental health workers back to work. He noted they are especially needed to support Californians affected by recent wildfires. He urged both sides to work together in mediation.
The union reports that the strike has left thousands of Kaiser patients facing long waits and canceled appointments.
The strike began last year over increased workloads and staffing shortages that the union said have created a “substandard” system of care.
By the numbers
- More than 300 Kaiser mental health workers have been on strike since Oct. 21, demanding better pay and more time for patient care.
- It's the second time Kaiser mental health workers have gone on strike in two years. A 10-week 2022 walkout in Northern California led to Kaiser agreeing to more patient care time, increased staffing and expanded mental health services.
- Kaiser said in a statement that "more than 50% of the NUHW-represented employees who went on strike initially have returned to help care for our members."
Closer look
Tensions escalated Friday as workers rallied outside Kaiser's Medical Center in Los Angeles demanding fair treatment for patients and staff. The union said the protest led to several arrests.
Kaiser responded to Newsom's letter and Friday's rally with a statement saying the rally was "an inconvenience for patients trying to get care at our hospital. But NUHW is not striking for our patients. The union continues to demand higher pay in return for providing less care."
Kaiser said the key issues in bargaining have not changed.
"We urge the union to focus its attention to where it belongs — at the bargaining table," Kaiser's statement said. "In the meantime, and as always, our top priority will be delivering high-quality care to meet the needs of our members and patients."
