Topline:
Some 2,400 Kaiser Permanente mental health workers are on Day 4 of a strike in support of higher wages and other workplace demands.
The National Union of Healthcare Workers — which represents the workers in Southern California — said no progress has been made at the bargaining table.
The demands: The Kaiser employees — including therapists and social workers — say they’re fighting for better patient care. They said they’re not given enough time in the day to manage their caseload, which some therapists have said is 10 to 18 patients a day. They also want the HMO to restore pensions and agree to better pay.
Regulators watching: The California Department of Managed Health Care says it is monitoring access to behavioral health care at Kaiser. Regulators say they’ve set up a hotline for patients to call if they run into problems getting care. The hotline can be reached at (888) 466-2219
Kaiser response: In an emailed statement, Kaiser claimed the union was “putting pickets before patients.” The HMO is required by law to ensure that services continue during the work stoppage. It said all Kaiser members will continue to have timely access to individual therapy appointments throughout the strike.
Go deeper: Kaiser mental health workers could strike tomorrow. What does that mean for patients?
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