April 2019 Pulse
Welcome to the April 2019 edition of our union’s e-newsletter. In recent weeks, NUHW members have taken several actions to compel Kaiser to improve its mental health care, received coveted awards, won a first contract at Dominican hospital, released a series of videos in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month and stood united with members negotiating a first contract at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa. Check out the stories below, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, too.
Mental health clinicians featured in videos for Mental Health Awareness Month
To commemorate May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re releasing videos featuring NUHW members talking about the importance of their work and how organizing with NUHW has helped them stand up for themselves and their patients. Click here to see the videos.
Clinicians take patient care fight to Kaiser in Southern California
NUHW-represented mental health clinicians turned up the pressure on Kaiser this month by holding a rally in Los Angeles, and a one-day strike in Pasadena where many patients must wait over three months to see their therapists. Click here to read the story.
Dominican workers win first contract
After more than a year of negotiations, NUHW-represented professionals at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz agreed to a first contract that will address longstanding wage inequities and help protect jobs from being subcontracted. Click here to read the story.
SF Supervisors approve mental health resolution as political pressure builds against Kaiser
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution last week calling on Kaiser Permanente to achieve “full parity for mental health patients.” One day later, NUHW members met with legislative leaders in Sacramento. Click here to read the story.
NUHW recognized as “Union of the Year” in Humboldt and Del Norte counties
Capping off a year in which NUHW members in Humboldt County repeatedly demonstrated for safe staffing amid sharp service reductions at their hospitals, the Humboldt Del Norte Central Labor Council named NUHW its Union of the Year. Click here to read the story.
Patients, clinicians and community leaders pressure Kaiser into meeting with CEO
After years of denying patients access to mental health care — forcing them to wait months for therapy in violation of state law — Kaiser literally locked out patients who were trying to ensure that everyone got better access to care. Click here to read the story.
Former NUHW steward who helped lead Kaiser fight wins prestigious psychology award
Andris Skuja recently received a major award from the California Psychological Association. Click here to read the story.
Providence St. Joseph workers unite with compatriots at Queen of the Valley Medical Center
More than 2,500 NUHW members at six Providence St. Joseph Health hospitals across California sent a clear message to their employer that they are committed to fighting for fair contracts across California. Click here to read the story.
News of the Month
Click here to check out our roundup of the latest labor and healthcare news from top media outlets.
NUHW offering online continuing education courses
We are expanding our offerings this year for members in licensed and certified job classifications. Click here to see the courses.