State Senators Urge Kaiser to Resolve Mental Health Strike Dispute

California Legislators Push Kaiser to Resolve Contract Dispute

In a rare move, California's legislative leaders have intervened in an ongoing labor dispute involving Kaiser Permanente. On Thursday, State Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire sent a letter to Kaiser CEO Greg Adams, signed by most state senators, urging the healthcare giant to return to negotiations. This letter mirrors a similar correspondence from Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas earlier this week.

The involvement of state legislators underscores concerns about Kaiser's alleged history of inadequate mental health care, particularly highlighted during strikes. The National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) has expressed dissatisfaction with Kaiser's approach to contract negotiations.

Complaint Filed Against Kaiser

Adding to the pressure, NUHW's Research Department has submitted a complaint to the California Department of Managed Health Care. The complaint accuses Kaiser of canceling psychotherapy groups for numerous enrollees amid the strike.

First-Person Insights on the Strike

Labor Notes, a publication dedicated to union organizing, featured a personal account of the strike by Adriana Webb. In her piece titled, "Kaiser strikers say when therapists burn out, patients suffer," Webb describes her experiences on the bargaining committee for the NUHW. She writes,

I joined the bargaining committee for my union, the National Union of Healthcare Workers, and sat across the table from Kaiser executives for months, asking them to care about their mental health professionals and their patients.

We worked nights and weekends, crafting detailed contract proposals to address the problems we see. Kaiser’s response was always “The current contact language works for us” or “We hear you, but that doesn’t mean we agree.”

Kaiser would often walk back to the bargaining table with a so-called “comprehensive list of counter-proposals,” which was a list of 10 rejections. But we knew we weren’t asking for anything outrageous or impossible, because everything we’re asking for is what they already provide to our colleagues in Northern California.

Superhero Week Initiative

As part of the strike activities, striking therapist Jade Rosario, previously recognized by Kaiser as an "Everyday Hero," has called for all mental health professionals to participate in "Superhero Week." Participants are encouraged to wear capes and masks on the picket line starting Monday.

Support for Strikers

Strikers in need of financial assistance can apply for hardship funds. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, with disbursements scheduled for the following Friday. Detailed rules and application forms can be found here and here.

Donations to support the fund can be made through this link, with disbursements currently capped at $250 weekly.

Visuals from the Strike

A collection of photos from the picket lines in various locations is available, showcasing the ongoing strike activities. More images and updates can be accessed through NUHW's social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.