Kaiser National Union of Healthcare Worker (NUHW) members have been in bargaining with Kaiser management for almost nine months. They staged a five-day strike in December, including a picket in front of Richmond Kaiser, which drew electeds such as Councilmember Eduardo Martinez.

Despite tremendous support from various allies, with over 80 elected and community leaders signing strong letters of support, Kaiser has still refused to budge on key issues: ensuring patients have timely access to mental health services (some patients seeking mental health services have to wait two months!) and ensuring NUHW members receive the same wages and benefits other Kaiser union members already have.

NUHW, frustrated by Kaiser’s years of negligence and inaction, has decided to circulate a petition throughout its whole membership which will give them the authority to call for up to an open-ended strike. While the union and its members do not want to strike, they are prepared to fight for their patients and for a fair contract.

NUHW Kaiser members are holding a series of actions to raise awareness around mental health access and the specific issues that exist within the Kaiser system. The next one is this week!

Please support Kaiser health care workers in support of their fight for a fair contract that improves patient access to mental health services!