Topline:
Kaiser mental health workers picketed Monday in front of the healthcare provider’s Los Angeles Medical Center on Sunset Boulevard.
The action marks day one of an open-ended strike for some 2,400 Kaiser employees in Southern California who say they are fighting for better working conditions and patient care.
The backstory: Kaiser mental health professionals approved a strike earlier this month after the National Union of Healthcare Workers and Kaiser could not come to a contract agreement. Kaiser workers said they want the HMO to provide employees seven hours of guaranteed time per week to handle things like emails, filling out patient charts and other duties, and they want the HMO to restore pensions and agree to better pay.
Kaiser response: In a statement to LAist on Monday, Kaiser said its proposal includes six hours a week for planning and preparation, as well as an 18% wage increase over four years.
What’s next: Bargaining sessions are scheduled for Wednesday and Friday.
Go deeper: Kaiser mental health workers could strike tomorrow. What does that mean for patients?
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