An open-ended strike began on Monday involving more than 2,400 Kaiser Permanente psychologists, therapists, social workers, and other mental health workers in Southern California. The strike is due to increased workloads and staffing shortages that have led to a “substandard” system of care, according to their union.
The National Union of Healthcare Workers, representing the employees, is in negotiations with Kaiser to address these issues. The union is demanding that Kaiser hire more staff to alleviate the burden on the current workers.
Kaiser responded by stating that the union has been prolonging negotiations and that their proposals have been unreasonable, while Kaiser has made strong proposals. Picket lines were set up outside Kaiser facilities in several counties.
Workers, like licensed marriage and family therapist Antonia Rodarte, traveled to LA from various locations for the strike, highlighting the burnout and workload issues they are facing. Natalie Espinoza, a psychiatric counselor, also expressed concerns about being understaffed and overworked.
The strike was a response to declining the terms offered by Kaiser and is deemed “entirely unnecessary” by the company. Kaiser states that the union’s demands would reduce access to mental health care for patients.
This is the second strike in two years by Kaiser therapists. The previous strike in Northern California resulted in agreements for more patient care duties and increased staffing. The current strikers in Southern California are seeking the same benefits.
Kaiser is notifying patients of the strike and offering appointments with other therapists in their network if needed. Democratic state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo joined the picket line in LA to support the workers.
Associated Press writer Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
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