For the first time in the history of our Labor Management Partnership, we are headed for a strike at Kaiser Permanente.

Corporate healthcare is failing patients and workers — and Kaiser showed why they’re the prime example of this failure in our September 16 bargaining session, which ended without an agreement. Fourteen days before the expiration of our contract, Kaiser demonstrated it is not serious about avoiding an unfair labor practices strike. Kaiser continued to demean and disrespect us, our patients, and our families by demanding massive cuts to our jobs, raises, and benefits.

OAKLAND, Calif. – More than 80,000 Kaiser Permanente workers in six states and the District of Columbia will begin a nationwide, seven-day unfair labor practices strike Oct. 14. The strike will be the largest since the Teamsters strike against United Parcel Service more than two decades ago.

“We believe the only way to ensure our patients get the best care is to take this step,” said Eric Jines, a radiologic technologist at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles. “Our goal is to get Kaiser to stop committing unfair labor practices and get back on track as the best place to work and get care. There is no reason for Kaiser to let a strike happen when it has the resources to invest in patients, communities and workers.”

The Coalition of Unions returned to the National bargaining table with Kaiser yesterday for a short session. Kaiser presented two options to the coalition bargaining committee that continued to have two tier wages and concessions. The committee was disappointed that Kaiser’s proposal showed no movement to reach an agreement. The Coalition Bargaining Committee took a strong stance that it was time to set a definite strike date if we need to strike. The date of October 14, 2019, was agreed upon by all the Coalition Unions.

OPEIU 29 members, it’s time to make your voices heard! Show them that we are Union Strong. Let Kaiser know 85,000 union members are united in making their voices heard. Cast your vote for equality across the country to show what “One KP” truly means! We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us; we should not leave those that come after us with less. Don’t let Kaiser take away good middle-class jobs & benefits.

We are more than 85,000 healthcare workers in the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, and we’re standing united all across the country to win a new contract that protects our patients and our families.

Here’s the latest OPEIU29 update about our contract campaign — and what it will take to win this fight for our futures.