Kaiser, Mental Health Workers Back to Negotiations Post-Strike

Kaiser Permanente executives and the union representing 4,000 mental health workers are scheduled to meet Dec. 21 to discuss contract and staffing issues that led to a recent five-day strike.

National Union of Healthcare Workers members at more than 100 California clinics and medical facilities, joined by California Nurses Association and International Union Operating Engineers Local 39, walked off the job at facilities statewide over lengthy treatment delays caused by insufficient staffing. Kaiser was hit with a $4 million state fine several years ago over mental health treatment delays.

“The $4 million fine was about Kaiser not providing initial appointments ...