More than 75,000 US healthcare workers begin 3-day strike

The coalition threatened to engage in further strike action in November 'if Kaiser continues to commit unfair labour practices.'


More than 75,000 employees at Kaiser Permanente began one of the largest healthcare worker strikes in recent US history on Wednesday after failing to resolve a dispute over staffing levels.

The strike of union members at the largest non-profit healthcare organisation in the United States began on Wednesday morning at sites in Virginia and the District of Columbia.

ALSO READ: Healthcare leaders reiterate NHI Bill concerns

It is due to spread to the West Coast later in the day, where the vast majority of the company’s workforce is based.

The walkout will be “the largest healthcare worker strike in U.S. history,” the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, an umbrella group representing local unions, said in a statement last month.

The coalition threatened to engage in further strike action in November “if Kaiser continues to commit unfair labor practices.”

ALSO READ: Shortage of healthcare workers in SA another pandemic – Denosa

The union wants pay increases across the board, and protections against subcontracting and outsourcing of labor, among other demands, according to recent statements from the coalition.

In a statement, Kaiser Permanente said it planned to keep its medical centers running throughout the three-day strike.

“We are disappointed that some unions have called on employees to participate in labor strikes,” the company announced in a statement posted on its website.

The firm said it had put contingency plans in place but warned customers to expect “longer than usual” wait times.

ALSO READ: Zimbabwe healthcare bleeds amid mass nurse exodus

“Our medical centers will remain open during the strike and will be staffed by our physicians and trained and experienced managers and staff,” it added.

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.