SAN FRANCISCO — The union representing Kaiser Permanente psychological well being therapists on their seventh week of hanging stated members “resoundingly rejected a contract offer” from Kaiser over the weekend.
Workers in Northern California and the Central Valley went on strike Aug. 15. Leaders of the National Union of Healthcare Workers stated Sunday the ultimate tally was 1,349 to 222 to reject the most recent contract provide.
“We presented Kaiser officials detailed proposals to increase staffing and improve access to care in the first negotiating session 14 months ago, and we won’t accept a contract that ignores those issues,” Ilana Marcucci-Morris, a Kaiser therapist and a member of the union’s bargaining workforce. “At this point, Kaiser executives can’t have any misconceptions about what it will take to secure a contract. We’re ready to negotiate around the clock to get an agreement signed as quickly as possible. It’s time for Kaiser to return to the bargaining table and end this strike.”
A Kaiser spokesperson stated 60 p.c of the corporate’s therapists have chosen to work via the strike.
“It is unfortunate that union leadership pressed members for a no vote, with assurances they would get more from continued contract bargaining. The ‘more’ that union leaders have identified will reduce access to mental health care for our members, and we have been clear we are not willing to do that,” Kaiser officers stated.
Workers need elevated staffing and improved entry to look after sufferers who generally should wait months for remedy appointments. Both sides have agreed to a wage enhance, however the union additionally needs therapists to have extra time to see returning sufferers and carry out all of their affected person care duties.
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