Kaiser healthcare workers to strike for improved patient care and respect

(FOX40.COM) — More than 1,300 Kaiser healthcare workers across over 20 hospitals in Northern California are set to strike on Monday.
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Workers will be striking to demand “better care for their patients and dignity and respect for the care they provide,” the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals explained.

The UNAC/UHCP called for the strike as it negotiates the first union contract for nurse anesthetists and midwives.

Picketting will take place at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center and Clinics and Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on September 8, according to the UNAC/UHCP.

“We’ve had operating rooms sit empty because there weren’t enough nurse anesthetists to cover cases,” said Jeff Cathcart, CRNA, who works at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco. “That directly impacts patient access to care.”

Across the country, more healthcare workers are organizing and they’re doing it with patient care front and center, UNAC/UHCP said.

“No midwife ever wants to go on strike, but we are prepared to do so because the lives of mothers, babies, and families are on the line,” Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek employee Liz Donnelly said.

Kaiser Permanente explained that it has been negotiating with UNAC/UHCP since May.

“The decision to call for a strike is disappointing given Kaiser Permanente is scheduled to continue our negotiations with UNAC/UHCP on multiple dates in September,” Kaiser Permanente said in a statement. “We will continue to bargain in good faith to reach an agreement that is good for our employees and allows us to continue providing high-quality care that is affordable for our members and patients.”