Kaiser Faces Pressure Amid Ongoing Mental Health Workers' Strike

Kaiser Urged to Accept Union Proposals Amid Ongoing Strike

The California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers has intensified its pressure on Kaiser Permanente by sending a letter to CEO Greg Adams. The letter encourages Kaiser to "accept the union’s reasonable contract proposals to ensure delivery of timely and appropriate behavioral health services to Kaiser enrollees.”

Key political figures, including leaders from the State Senate and Assembly, along with numerous legislators, are increasingly supporting the union’s demands. These stakeholders are urging Kaiser to finalize the contract on terms that favor the union.

Ongoing Violations During Strike

Capital & Main has highlighted serious issues within Kaiser during the strike in a recent article. The publication reports on a complaint indicating that Kaiser is allegedly violating state law by canceling appointments, contrary to its plans to prevent mass cancellations.

When unionized Kaiser Permanente mental health care workers in Northern California went on strike in 2022, the industry giant quickly moved to reassure its patients. They would receive the same level of care they’d always had, Kaiser officials said.

It didn’t happen. According to a document later filed by the state’s Department of Managed Health Care as part of a massive settlement and fine paid by Kaiser, more than 100,000 mental health care appointments were canceled by the company during the 10-week strike over working conditions and staffing. Cancelling the appointments was a direct violation of state law.

Two years later, it appears not much has changed. In a new complaint filed with state officials, the union representing more than 2,400 striking mental health care workers in Kaiser’s Southern California network says that Kaiser is again trying to get by with whatever staff remains and is employing tactics that will lead to huge numbers of missed or canceled appointments.

Support and Solidarity

The ongoing strike has garnered additional support from various stakeholders, emphasizing the legal violations to increase pressure on Kaiser to negotiate. The union continues to demonstrate its resolve through strong picket lines, as illustrated in a recent video by Sahsa Keseloff.

Resources for Striking Workers

Workers impacted by the strike have until Friday at 11:59 p.m. to submit hardship fund applications. For more details, refer to the official rules and the application form. An upcoming holiday gift distribution is scheduled for December 10, with further details forthcoming.

Picket Line and Social Media Updates

Photos from the picket lines, such as those from Anaheim and San Diego, are available below. For more updates, follow NUHW on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

For further information, visit the original post on NUHW’s website.

---
Read More USA Works News