Any sign of a quick resolution to a month and a half long strike by Kaiser Permanente therapists evaporated late Saturday after union members overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer by the healthcare giant in a dispute over staffing and long wait times for those seeking mental health services.
The company, however, argues that time spent away from patients would have negative impacts on mental health needs. Kaiser has previously stated that it’s experienced a dramatic surge in demand for its therapy services. NUHW member Chelsea Wise-Diangson said Sunday she’s confident the rejection of the offer will spark a deal.A spokesperson for Kaiser did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier this month, the company called the strike “unnecessary” and described the union’s negotiating tactics as as “aggressive.”
Kaiser is now lying to the state, telling them patients have dropped complaints who have not. Thankfully, state is calling people to confirm.