Kaiser Workers Strike Continues Amidst Calls for Mediation and Support

February 15, 2025 February 15, 2025

Editorial Staff

Ongoing Labor Dispute at Kaiser Permanente

The picket lines have been buzzing with activity as the labor strike at Kaiser Permanente continues. Recent events included a Valentine’s Day celebration at LAMC with cookie decoration activities, adding a touch of festivity to the otherwise serious proceedings. Despite the rain, over 65 participants gathered in Downey on Thursday, sporting ponchos provided by a community member.

Efforts to engage Kaiser in focused mediation, as suggested by the governor, have not yet been successful. Organizers are rallying support from elected officials and union leaders to increase pressure on Kaiser to agree to mediation, which had been instrumental in the resolution of a similar strike in Northern California.

The upcoming bargaining session is scheduled for Monday. However, Kaiser’s decision to delay further negotiations until March 6 has raised concerns about their commitment to reaching an agreement. Union representatives emphasize the need for mediation to prevent prolonged negotiations.

The recent street protest further intensified the situation, as highlighted by a report from ABC7. The report compelled Kaiser executive Dawn Gillam to address disparities in benefits and patient management time between Southern and Northern California. Gillam explained, “we are two different business models… and we have two different geographic markets that are very different,” prompting questions about the justification for these differences.

Upcoming Events

A town hall is scheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m. Participants can join via Zoom using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82290971215.

The next bargaining session will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17, at the Hilton Glendale. Interested parties can sign up to attend.