June 2019 Pulse
Welcome to the June 2019 edition of our union’s e-newsletter. In recent weeks, NUHW-represented Kaiser mental health clinicians approved a one-day strike in San Francisco, EVS workers at Providence Tarzana voted to join our union, and RAMS workers settled their first contract after a long struggle. Check out all the stories below, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Kaiser mental health clinicians to strike July 10 over chronic understaffing
Children dealing with depression, anxiety and the impacts of bullying have to wait four to six weeks for their first face-to-face visit with a Kaiser mental health therapist, and just as long — or longer — for return appointments. Group therapy sessions have become so crowded that some children and their parents have to sit on the floor. Click here to read the story.
Providence Tarzana EVS workers vote to join NUHW
Fifty-five EVS workers are joining more than 500 of their NUHW-represented coworkers who already enjoy the benefits and protections of a union contract. Click here to read the story.
With “Thrive City,” Kaiser puts branding before behavioral health care
The $295 million deal includes naming rights for area surrounding the Golden State Warriors’ new arena in San Francisco. Meanwhile, Kaiser’s mental health facilities are chronically understaffed and patients can’t get timely care. Click here to read the story.
RAMS workers win first contract after long struggle
Workers at Richmond Area Multi-Services voted overwhelmingly last month to ratify their first contract. The 18-month contract covers 125 mental health workers at the San Francisco nonprofit. Click here to read the story.
California Democratic Party passes resolution calling on Kaiser to improve its mental health services
The California Democratic Party passed a resolution on June 2 calling on Kaiser to improve its mental health staffing, limit referrals to non-Kaiser therapists, and give clinicians the same raises and benefits enjoyed by Kaiser workers represented by other unions. Click here to read the story.
NUHW workers confront Fountain Valley CEO
At the end of May, Fountain Valley management tried to prohibit members from holding meetings in the hospital cafeteria, so workers confronted the CEO and presented him with a petition. Click here to read the story.
Attorney General holding hearings on St. Joseph-Adventist Health West proposed partnership
Last spring, St. Joseph Health and Adventist Health announced a plan to form a joint venture to manage nine hospitals, including St. Joseph Hospital Eureka, Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, and Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa. Workers are concerned about the impact of the merger on working conditions and patient care. 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
Need CE units? Check out our online courses for members in licensed and certified job classifications. Click here to see the courses.