Kaiser Mental Health Workers' Strike Becomes Longest in California History

Kaiser Mental Health Workers Continue Historic Strike in Southern California

Nearly 2,400 mental health professionals employed by Kaiser in Southern California are facing the holiday season as they persist in what is set to become the longest mental health strike in California's history.

Amidst this strike, Kaiser patients are unable to see their mental health therapists during the festive period. In response, striking workers and community allies gathered at Kaiser’s corporate offices in Pasadena to deliver a holiday message: prioritize mental health care.

Reflecting the holiday spirit, some workers dressed as the Grinch, while hundreds more marched through Pasadena, carrying a large cardboard heart symbolizing their view of Kaiser's insufficient care. The Los Angeles Federation of Labor also provided food and toys to many participants.

“When I saw the toys, I started crying,” shared Jade Rosado, a Kaiser therapist and mother of three. “Being able to choose something I knew my kids would love was such a relief.”

Speakers, including State Senator Sasha Pérez, addressed the crowd outside Kaiser’s offices. As the rally progressed, workers broke through a security barrier and gathered at the front of the building, chanting at Kaiser: “Fix it now!”

Rosado, recognized as a “Kaiser Everyday Hero” in August, described seeing posters of fellow "Everyday Heroes" inside the office. “It made me think we’re all heroes, so why don’t we have the same benefits, raises, and patient care time as other Kaiser workers?” she questioned. “Kaiser profits from our work but doesn’t incentivize us to stay.”

Strikers carried letters signed by a majority of California Assembly members, urging Kaiser to accept the workers' proposed contract terms. Many left these letters atop the heart for Kaiser.

“My heart is full of gratitude and joy,” stated Ligia Pacheco, another Kaiser therapist, after the event. “Receiving food and toy donations turned our gratitude into powerful chants that continue to reflect our solidarity.”

Support for the workers also came from allies, including a majority of state legislators and the National Association of Social Workers, who called on Kaiser to agree to the proposed contract terms.

Meanwhile, reports have surfaced of patients struggling to receive care from Kaiser during the strike, with allegations of state law violations. These include instances where Kaiser forced patients onto 30-day appointment waiting lists, lacked adequate hospice staffing, and referred patients with severe conditions to unprepared external providers.

“Kaiser has no leg to stand on,” declared Jeremy Simpkin, a Kaiser therapist, during the December 10 rally. “Bigger giants have fallen, and they’re feeling pressure from all sides.”