Thousands of nurses and other health professionals Kaiser Permanente union members ended a five-day strike this Sundaywhile Kaiser officials and the unions agreed this week to resume negotiations for a new labor contract.
According to Kaiser Permanente, the facilities were in the process of resuming normal operations.
“We are deeply grateful to our frontline care teams, who worked hard to Ensure continuity of excellent patient care last week“said the institution in a statement published this Sunday morning.
Keep reading: Mental health workers complete 17 weeks of strike
“Our facilities had experienced doctors, managers and trained staff, in addition to almost 6,000 nurses, clinicians and other professionals hired workers who worked with us during the strike,” he added.
It is planned that officials and unions resume negotiations this Wednesday and Thursday focusing on economic issues. The return to the national negotiating table is scheduled for October 28 and 29.
In addition to the strike of nurses and health professionals in California, there was also a work stoppage by Kaiser Permanente workers in Hawaii.
Keep reading: Mental health workers on strike in Southern California
On October 3, Alliance of Healthcare Unions local unions, including HNHP, UNAC/UHCP, UNITE HERE Local 5, OFNHP Local 5017 and USW 7600, Kaiser Permanente issued 10-day strike notice.
After failing to reach an agreement before the October 13 deadline, The unions began a five-day strike on October 14.
The Alliance of Healthcare Unions (AHCU) is a coalition of 23 labor organizations, including local UFCW chapters in Southern California.
Keep reading: Kaiser Permanente nurse in Riverside arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on patient
“While the Alliance has publicly emphasized staffing and other concerns, wages are the reason for the strike and the main issue in the negotiations“Kaiser Permanente officials said.
“We recognize the hard work of our employees and have introduced a solid contract proposal that includes a total increase of 21.5% in base salary over four years and improves their high-value medical plans and retirement benefits,” they added.
The work stoppage of those represented by the California United Nurses Association/Health Professionals Union started at 7:00 am on Tuesday, October 14 in hospitals in the region.
Keep reading: Kaiser Permanente and health care unions reach provisional agreement after strike
The workers included registered nurses, pharmacists, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, midwives, physician assistantsrehabilitation therapists, speech and language pathologists, dieticians and other specialized health professionals, according to the union.
“What we have shown this week It is the collective strength of health professionals who refuse to remain silent while patient care suffers,” said registered nurse and UNAC/UHCP president Charmine Morales.
The president of UNAC/UHCP mentioned that they were clear and visible, in addition to demonstrate the union that exists between workers.
Keep reading: The strike of 75,000 health workers in 5 states threatens to extend
“Our pressure on these lines has forced Kaiser Permanente back to the negotiating table. We now expect management to do the right thing: commit to enforceable staffing standards and a fair salary for the professionals who maintain the health of our communities“he added.
Union representatives stressed that the five-day strike by its members in California and Hawaii sent a powerful message.
“Their strength and solidarity have had a real impact, and upon returning to the negotiating table in the week, We hope Kaiser takes the personnel crisis seriously.guaranteeing quality patient care,” said the executive director of UNAC/UHCP, Joe Guzmán.
Keep reading:
· More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers declared a three-day work stoppage in eight states
· Kaiser Permanente workers went on strike this Wednesday
· More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers prepare for the largest strike in the health sector