Assembly Speaker Rivas Supports Kaiser Strike, Urges Contract Agreement

Assembly Speaker Supports Kaiser Strike Amid Concerns Over Patient Care

California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has taken an unusual step by voicing support for a strike against Kaiser Permanente. In a letter addressed to Kaiser CEO Greg Adams, Speaker Rivas expressed serious concerns about the impact of the strike on patient care, urging Kaiser to meet the union’s contract proposals.

"I have seen the strike contingency plan that Kaiser submitted to DMHC, and I am greatly concerned that the plan does not provide sufficient detail regarding Kaiser’s arrangements to prevent widespread appointment cancellations without timely and appropriate replacement services. I have learned that patient appointments are indeed being cancelled at an alarming rate, and that these cancellations are leading to sometimes indefinite delays, or worse, denials of care."

"Given this context, my undersigned colleagues and I urge you to resume good faith negotiations with NUHW as soon as possible, and to agree to the union’s reasonable contract proposals in order to ensure the delivery of timely and appropriate behavioral health services to your patients."

Efforts are underway to gain additional support from other Assemblymembers and a similar endorsement from State Senate President Mike McGuire.

Kaiser Blocks Food Aid for Strikers

In a contentious move, Kaiser HR officials, with assistance from LAPD, prevented the distribution of 300 food boxes to striking workers outside the Los Angeles Medical Center. The intended recipients, who have been without pay for weeks, expressed shock at the action. Kassaundra Gutierrez-Thompson, a striker, remarked on the situation, stating, "It was shocking to see that, frankly, Kaiser HR is so dirty that it would deny us food after four weeks without pay."

Protests Highlight Patient Care Concerns

During a healthcare industry event, Kaiser executive Michelle Gaskill-Hames participated in a panel on "Financial Sustainability and Workforce Efficiencies." Protesters interrupted the session to voice that such efficiencies were causing patient suffering. The protest was eventually halted by security.

Strike Gains Media Attention

The ongoing strike has garnered significant media coverage, with notable stories emerging from various outlets. KUSI in San Diego provided extensive coverage this week.

Upcoming Strike Activities

• Wednesday, November 20: Distribution of new strike t-shirts on the picket line.
• Thursday, November 21: Simultaneous rallies at Kaiser headquarters in Pasadena and Oakland at 12 p.m.

Hardship Fund Assistance

Striking workers can apply for hardship funds, which are available as nontaxable income. Applications must be submitted by Fridays at 5 p.m. for disbursement the following Friday. More details and applications can be found here and application forms here.

Picket Line Imagery

View images from the strike action below and on NUHW’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok accounts.