SEIU 49 Healthcare Workers Set to Strike to End the Short Staffing Crisis at Kaiser Permanente
SEIU Local 49 healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente are seeking to settle a fair contract while grappling with an acute staffing crisis that is compromising both their well-being and the quality of patient care. Kaiser executives are refusing to engage in meaningful dialogue with frontline healthcare workers and are bargaining in bad faith over the solutions needed to address the Kaiser short staffing crisis. Workers have been pushed to the brink and want a solution that improves conditions for themselves and their patients.
Kaiser Permanente Can Afford to Do Better
In the first 6 months of 2023 alone, Kaiser has reported $3 BILLION in profit. Kaiser holds an investment portfolio worth over $120 BILLION. Around 50 of its executives make over $1 MILLION per year—including a staggering $17 MILLION per year for the CEO. Frontline healthcare workers seeking a contract that includes good wages to attract new staff and retain existing staff to help end the ongoing short staffing crisis have been told by these executives that they are “overpaid.” Frontline healthcare workers deserve better, patients deserve better, and Kaiser can afford to do better!
Consequently, these healthcare workers have been left with no choice but to take the drastic step of declaring an unfair labor practice strike to bring attention to this severe issue and push for meaningful solutions. SEIU Local 49 members will be joining 75,000 other members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions striking October 4–6 across the country.
What Patients Should Know:
Kaiser executives have known that a strike was possible for months and were given advance notice of the exact strike dates. It will be up to Kaiser to make arrangements to ensure patients are cared for during the strike, but here are some suggestions to minimize inconvenience and make sure you and your family’s health needs are taken care of October 4-6.
Appointments: Kaiser is likely to reschedule many appointments during the strike so be on the lookout for any changes.
Getting care during the strike: If you or a family member need emergency or immediate medical treatment or have to fill a needed prescription, we urge you to do so and we will do everything we can to assist you in getting the care you need.
Major procedures: If you have a major procedure scheduled for that week, check with your Kaiser physician or facility to determine if there have been any changes in times or locations.
Picket lines: We will be setting up picket lines at many Kaiser facilities across the nation, including in Oregon and SW Washington, and we ask that you support us in our fight for quality healthcare by not crossing the line during that week unless you need urgent care or have to fill a needed prescription.
How You Can Support this Vital Cause:
Join the Picket Line: One impactful way to demonstrate your solidarity is to stand with Kaiser workers on the picket lines. Let’s send a strong message to Kaiser Permanente's management—listen to workers and end this short staffing crisis! To RSVP, please sign up here.
Send an email to Kaiser President Jeff Collins: Another action you can take is sending an email to Jeff Collins, the President of Kaiser NW. A pre-drafted email is available, making it easier for you to voice your support for SEIU 49 healthcare workers. You’ll find the email action here.
