Kaiser Workers Begin Hunger Strike for Mental Health Care Reforms

April 8, 2025 April 8, 2025

Editorial Staff

Hunger Strike Initiated by Kaiser Workers at Los Angeles Medical Center

Outside the Los Angeles Medical Center of Kaiser, eight workers embarked on a five-day hunger strike today. The event began with a ceremony conducted by local clergy. Pastor Jennifer Gutierrez, sharing her personal challenges with obtaining mental health care for her children at Kaiser, expressed gratitude towards the hunger strikers and the broader community of striking mental health professionals for their contributions. She commended them for “all that you're doing for the community.”

A variety of supporters, including fellow Kaiser employees, patients, Los Angeles Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, and renowned labor activist Dolores Huerta, joined the hunger strikers throughout the day. Huerta addressed the gathering with words of encouragement: “I am so proud to be standing here with all of you today. I want to thank you for being so strong, for being so brave, for carrying on this strike as long as you have, and not giving up.”

Media outlets such as CalMatters, Spectrum-TV, and Telemundo covered the event, bringing attention to the ongoing actions.

Those interested in visiting the hunger strikers at LAMC, located at 4867 Sunset Boulevard, can RSVP here. The public can engage with the strikers outside the hospital from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Negotiations and Upcoming Activities

Resumption of Bargaining
The April 17 bargaining session has been rescheduled to April 16, following a request from mediators. Consequently, the newly scheduled bargaining sessions will occur on Tuesday, April 15; Wednesday, April 16; and Tuesday, April 22.

Planned Demonstrations
A protest is scheduled at the Health Evolution Summit in Orange County, where Kaiser CEO Greg Adams is set to speak. The demonstration will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9. Interested participants can RSVP here.

Join the Picket Line
To participate in the picket line activities this week, individuals can sign up using our picket shift sign-up form.

Photo Gallery
Explore the gallery below for photographs from the picket line, or visit NUHW’s social media profiles for more: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.