Kaiser Permanente Workers Launch 5-Day Strike Across California

Thousands of unionized Kaiser Permanente workers and nurses across California began a five-day strike today, calling for wage increases, improved staffing ratios, and stronger benefits.

In Palm Desert, more than 50 workers gathered outside the Kaiser Permanente clinic near Gerald Ford Drive and Cook Street, rallying for what they say are fair and necessary changes.

“We’re requesting better staffing ratios, which means better delivery of care for our patients, improved safety, and wages that match the rest of Southern California,” said nurse Salvador Vega.

Kaiser Permanente, however, is pushing back on the union’s demands implying that the striking is more focused on wages over ensuring better care and staffing. “They are demanding significantly higher increases than our 21.5% offer," the statement from Kaiser Permanente reads. "Their claims about Kaiser Permanente’s quality and staffing don’t reflect the facts."

The strike is set to end on Sunday, Oct. 19. Kaiser officials say hospitals and medical offices will remain open throughout the striking.