Providence Urgent Care Closure and Kaiser Mental Health Strike Updates

Providence's Urgent Care Closure in Santa Rosa Sparks Concerns

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat has highlighted the community's unease over Providence's decision to shut down Santa Rosa's sole urgent care facility accessible to all residents. Members of the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) have been vocal about the impact this closure could have on healthcare access in the region.

Ongoing Strike by Kaiser Mental Health Workers

In Southern California, nearly 2,400 mental health professionals affiliated with NUHW continue their strike against Kaiser, drawing significant media attention. KPBS in San Diego reported on alleged violations in patient care during the strike. Meanwhile, LAist/KPCC discussed the insufficient plans Kaiser has put in place to maintain services. Additionally, KUSI in San Diego covered the state's regulatory investigation into Kaiser, and Fox-11 reported on the NUHW's November 21 protest at Kaiser's Pasadena headquarters.

NLRB Rules Against Mandatory Anti-Union Meetings

The National Labor Relations Board has ruled that companies cannot compel workers to attend meetings that discuss the drawbacks of unionizing. According to the New York Times, this decision is part of a broader set of rulings under the Biden administration aimed at empowering workers' rights to unionize. The ruling stemmed from a complaint about Amazon's practices prior to a successful 2022 union election at its Staten Island warehouse, the first of its kind in the U.S. Amazon had organized numerous meetings to dissuade workers from unionizing.

San Benito County Voters Approve Measure X

Voters in San Benito County have approved Measure X, facilitating the sale of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital to a private entity. With over 50% support, the decision allows the San Benito Healthcare District to proceed with a lease-to-own agreement with Insight Health System, initiated earlier this year. Insight has committed to retaining staff and investing in critical equipment and facility upgrades, as reported by KION 54.

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