A massive healthcare strike, which could become the largest in U.S. history, is looming closer. Around 75,000 Kaiser Permanente employees are poised to participate, with 60,000 of them based in California, including a significant number in the Bay Area. Despite ongoing negotiations between the parties, the possibility of industrial action remains.
Priscilla Opfermann, a dedicated union member, plays a vital role in managing patient care at Kaiser’s Walnut Creek Medical Center. According to her, the pandemic has had a severe impact on healthcare workers like her, pushing them to their limits. Now, even seeing patients can trigger an emotional response from her.
Opfermann stated that based on the current situation, they would have to be out there by 6 a.m. tomorrow. He expressed concern that the critical issues regarding the short-staffing crisis were not being adequately addressed in the discussions.
Starting Wednesday at 6 a.m. and continuing through Saturday at the same time, health care workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities are set to go on strike due to unfair labor practices.
According to John August, a conflict resolution specialist who previously served on the Kaiser union negotiating team and is currently affiliated with Cornell University, patients are likely to experience a significant impact, particularly if they require lab work, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy services, or vision care. This is due to the fact that most of the employees who work in these facilities are expected to participate in the strike.
According to him, medical professionals like doctors and registered nurses will be prepared to handle any situation that arises. However, potential disruptions in hospitals could affect various departments, including clerical staff, meal services, and housekeeping. This could have an impact on infection control measures in place.
According to a statement released by Kaiser Permanente, they have formulated plans to address the potential impact of the strike. These measures include expanding the network of pharmacies to include locations in the neighborhood, rescheduling certain non-emergency and elective procedures, and hiring critical care professionals to ensure uninterrupted services during the strike.
August emphasized that Kaiser Permanente has a responsibility to fulfill those tasks. Although they aim to render those services amidst the strike, it is indeed a challenging feat to accomplish.
In a show of solidarity, two more unions in the Bay Area have given their approval for a sympathy strike. The technical employees, clinical lab scientists, and home health therapists of IFPTE Local 20 and OPEIU Local 29 will join the ongoing strike.
According to August, if the strike takes place, it should be considered a matter of national concern that impacts everyone in the healthcare industry.
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