Kaiser Workers Arrested in Civil Disobedience for Fair Contract

Protesters Arrested in Civil Disobedience Outside Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center

A group of 12 protesters, along with four supporters, was arrested after blocking West Sunset Boulevard in front of the Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center. The demonstration was part of an effort to demand a fair contract for healthcare workers within the Kaiser system, emphasizing the need for equal treatment and improved patient care access. California Labor Federation President Lorena Gonzalez was among those participating in the protest.

Approximately 100 individuals gathered in support, chanting slogans such as “Settle it now” and “What do we want? A fair contract. When do we want it? Now,” as the group staged this act of civil disobedience, the first of its kind during a Kaiser strike.

The demonstration highlighted frustrations over stalled negotiations, which have dragged on for 16 weeks, with strikers accusing Kaiser of not adhering to clinical and legal care standards during the ongoing strike. This protest aimed to underscore the urgency and gravity of the situation, as workers felt Kaiser had not acted ethically.

The protest received coverage from several media outlets including KABC, Fox 11 LA, KTLA, KCAL, KNX News Radio, La Opinión, and KPCC/The LAist. A livestream of the entire action is available on Instagram.

The rally preceding the protest featured speeches from several union representatives, including UNAC President Charmaine Morales, UNITE-HERE Local 11 Co-President Ada Briceño, and NUHW member Marcy Pullard, who is part of Kaiser’s Behavioral Health Crisis Line.

NUHW President Emeritus Sal Rosselli announced an acceptance of Governor Newsom’s request for focused mediation with Kaiser, although Kaiser has yet to respond. A similar mediation effort in 2022 led to a resolution of the Northern California strike, facilitated by then-Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg.

Unity Petition and Upcoming Events

A Unity Petition, signed by 82 percent of the membership, demonstrates widespread commitment to securing a fair contract that equates behavioral health care with other services and employees at Kaiser. The petition includes over 1,900 signatures.

• The next bargaining session is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the Hilton Glendale. Interested parties can sign up to attend.
• To join the picket lines next week, sign up here.
• Read more about the strike and Kaiser’s behavioral health challenges in California Healthline and publications like the Orange County Register.

Photos from the picket lines are available on NUHW’s social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

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