Kaiser Mental Health Workers Begin Open-Ended Strike

Approximately 2,400 mental health workers at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California have commenced an open-ended strike, citing a 'broken' mental health care system and insufficient staffing levels. The National Union of Healthcare Workers claims that the staffing ratio of one therapist per 3,000 patients in Southern California is unsustainable, leading to burnout and high turnover. Kaiser has been accused of 'slow walking' negotiations, but asserts it has made substantial offers, including an 18% wage increase over four years. The strike follows a previous 10-week strike in Northern California and a $50 million settlement by Kaiser with state regulators over inadequate mental health care. Kaiser has promised that patients will still have access to therapy, possibly through temporary replacements, while the union continues to push for more preparation time for therapists, wage increases, and the restoration of pension benefits.