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Kaiser mental health worker strike nears two months; no bargaining sessions scheduled
Kaiser employees picketed in front of a Kaiser facility in Panorama City on Friday, Nov. 1
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Robert Garrova / LAist
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Topline:
The union representing some 2,400 striking Kaiser employees said no progress has been made at the bargaining table as the work stoppage approaches two months.
Earlier this week, the National Union of Healthcare Workers filed a complaint with state regulators, claiming that Kaiser has “systematically canceled psychotherapy groups for thousands of enrollees across its Southern California region,” since the strike began.
Kaiser response: In a statement, Kaiser said patients are getting the care they need because of the health care provider’s “vast external network” of licensed mental health professionals.
“We are pleased that our preparations and comprehensive contingency plans leading up to this unnecessary work stoppage have helped us deliver on our promise of safe, timely and high-quality mental health care,” Kaiser said.
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Kaiser mental health worker strike nears two months; no bargaining sessions scheduled
The backstory: Thousands of Kaiser therapists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists and social workers have been on strike since October. Several of the workers on strike have said they typically see more than 10 patients a day and don’t get enough time to manage duties outside of client appointments.
They said they want Kaiser to provide workers seven hours of guaranteed time per week to handle things like sending emails, filling out patient charts and other duties. The union members are also demanding the health plan restore pensions and agree to better pay.
What’s next? A spokesperson for the National Union of Healthcare Workers said there are no bargaining sessions scheduled for next week. Picketing will continue outside of Kaiser facilities from Los Angeles to San Diego to Bakersfield.
Go deeper: Kaiser mental health workers could strike tomorrow. What does that mean for patients?
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