Kaiser Permanente workers plan to picket Kaiser hospitals and medical facilities throughout Southern California this week, claiming low wages, understaffing and employee burnout have undermined patient care.
The nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, technicians, cooks, food staff and others are represented by the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions. They’re calling for increased staffing after grappling with severe shortfalls throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
They say the situation has led to long patient wait times, mistaken diagnoses and neglect, making it harder to provide quality care.
One employee said a strike is a “very real possibility” if their concerns aren’t met.
The Coalition — which includes SEIU-UHW, SEIU Local 121RN, UFCW, several OPEIU locals and IFPTE Local 20 — began its national bargaining process in April. The workers’ labor contract will expire Sept. 30.
Rallies will be held Tuesday, July 25 at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Downey, Kaiser Orange County North and Kaiser Panorama City Medical Center, among others, with additional picketing this week at Kaiser facilities in the Antelope Valley, South Bay, West Los Angeles, Baldwin Park and Woodland Hills.
Miriam de la Paz, who works in the labor and delivery department at Kaiser’s Downey facility, said she’s constantly overloaded with work.
“After so many shifts trying to do the work of two or even three people, we are burnt out and exhausted,” she said. “We need Kaiser to fix this staffing crisis and hire more people so we can give every patient the time and attention they deserve.”
Frank Hurtarte, senior vice president of human resources for Kaiser’s Southern California and Hawaii operations, said Kaiser’s priority is to reach an agreement that “ensures the company can continue to provide market-competitive pay and outstanding benefits.”
He questions the union’s motives.
“Given where we are in the bargaining process, it is…
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