Kaiser mental health strike: Sept. 7
There is going to be a lot of attention on our strike Thursday with the resumption of bargaining. The best way to demonstrate our strength and resolve is to be on the picket lines. On Thursday, we’ll be doing patient visibility actions to remind Kaiser why we’re out here, adn to honor National Suicide Prevention Awarness Month. (See the picket schedule here.)
Please RSVP here for your local picket line, using your unique ID.
Everyone can attend bargaining virtually from the picket line beginning at 8:30am via the link below or by calling in. The Zoom details have been emailed to members.
Media coverage is heating back up with bargaining now scheduled. KQED and ABC10 interviewed clinicians on picket lines today, and KPFA and Status Coup News, a YouTube-based progressive outlet, interviewed clinicians today. See below for photos and click here for recent press stories.
Our Bargaining Committee will meet tonight to finalize strategy. As we mentioned yesterday, please keep these things in mind:
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We should not expect a good offer or an agreement on Thursday. It’s common for an employer to test workers’ resolve during a strike with a subpar offer. Our Hawaii members bargained yesterday for the first time since they went on strike and Kaiser barely moved from their previous position.
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DO NOT GO BACK TO WORK! Resuming contract negotiations does not mean that the strike is ending. We went on strike to win a good contract, not to resume bargaining.
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It’s more critical than ever to show resolve, not just by continuing to strike, but by showing up to the picket lines even during a heat wave. The more people we have striking on the picket lines, the more leverage our Bargaining Committee will have in negotiations.
Financial hardship
We have compiled a Hardship Fund FAQ explaining how to access or contribute to the more than 20 hardship funds that have been set up by clinicians at different locations.
If you need financial support to sustain the strike, please fill out the form at nuhw.org/tempinfo. We can discuss a number of options, including possible temporary per diem work with behavioral health practices that have been in contact with us.
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