Kaiser Workers Strike More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers in California, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington state walked off the job on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, in the largest healthcare strike in US history. The striking workers are represented by a coalition of eight unions that comprise 40% of Kaiser Permanente’s total staff.
The workers are striking to demand higher wages, better staffing levels, and safer working conditions. They say that Kaiser Permanente has been cutting costs and sacrificing patient care in recent years.
The strike is having a significant impact on Kaiser Permanente patients. Many clinics and hospitals are closed or operating with limited staff. Some patients have been unable to get appointments or have had to wait longer for care.
Kaiser Permanente has said that it is committed to reaching a fair agreement with its workers. The company has offered wage increases and other concessions, but the unions have rejected the offer.
The strike is part of a wave of labor activism that has swept across the United States in recent months. Workers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, retail, and transportation, have been striking to demand better pay and working conditions.
The Kaiser Permanente strike is a major test for the labor movement. If the workers are able to win their demands, it could embolden other workers to organize and strike for better treatment.
What to expect from the Kaiser Permanente strike
The Kaiser Permanente strike is expected to have a significant impact on patients and the healthcare system in the affected states. Some of the potential impacts include:
- Reduced access to care: Many clinics and hospitals will be closed or operating with limited staff, making it difficult for patients to get appointments or have to wait longer for care.
- Delays in treatment: Patients may experience delays in getting diagnostic tests, medications, and other treatments.
- Increased costs: Patients may have to pay more for care if they have to go to an out-of-network provider.
- Stress and anxiety for patients: Patients may be stressed and anxious about the uncertainty of the strike and the impact it will have on their care.
What can patients do during the Kaiser Permanente strike?
If you are a patient of Kaiser Permanente, there are a few things you can do during the strike:
- Contact your doctor’s office to see if they are open and what the impact of the strike will be on your care.
- If you need to see a doctor or get care, try to schedule an appointment as early as possible.
- Be prepared for delays in treatment.
- If you have to go to an out-of-network provider, be sure to ask about your insurance coverage.
- Be patient and understanding with your healthcare providers. They are working hard to provide care to patients despite the strike.
The Kaiser Permanente strike is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. It is important to understand the strike and its potential impacts so that you can make informed decisions about your care.
