California Mental Health Workers at Kaiser Permanente Prepare for Strike
California’s mental health workers at Kaiser Permanente are gearing up for a significant strike, marking their second such action in just over two years. The National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW), representing nearly 2,400 behavioral health professionals in Southern California, has officially announced an open-ended strike set to commence on October 21. The workers cite a range of grievances, including stressful working conditions, inadequate pay, and the absence of pensions, all of which they argue are negatively impacting patient care.
The Context of the Strike
The impending strike comes on the heels of a previous labor action in 2022, which involved mental health workers in Northern California. That strike lasted nearly ten weeks and resulted in several concessions from Kaiser, including higher wages and increased hours for patient care-related tasks. Southern California workers are now seeking similar improvements, urging Kaiser to align their compensation and benefits with those of their Northern California counterparts.
Kaiser’s Response and Preparedness
In anticipation of the strike, Kaiser Permanente has stated that it is making necessary preparations to ensure patient care continues uninterrupted. The company has assured patients that if their regular providers are engaged in the work stoppage, they will have the opportunity to see another professional within Kaiser’s extensive network. Kaiser has emphasized its commitment to maintaining access to care, indicating that patients will be notified in advance of any changes to their appointments.
Union Demands and Kaiser’s Offer
The union has expressed dissatisfaction with Kaiser’s current offer, which includes an 18% wage increase over four years and enhanced benefits, including an improved retiree medical plan. While Kaiser claims to have invested over a billion dollars in expanding mental health services in California and increasing the number of licensed clinicians by 30% in Southern California, union representatives argue that these measures fall short of addressing the core issues at hand.
High Turnover Rates and Staff Burnout
One of the most pressing concerns raised by union organizers is the high turnover rate among mental health workers. Reports indicate that a quarter of the 1,508 therapists hired by Kaiser Southern California between January 2021 and August 2024 have left their positions. Many have transitioned to better-paying roles providing virtual therapy in Northern California, where workers enjoy benefits such as pensions that are not available to their Southern California colleagues.
Kassaundra Gutierrez-Thompson, a psychiatric counselor in Los Angeles, shared her experience of overwhelming stress and burnout. She sees up to 14 patients a day, often struggling to find time for basic needs like bathroom breaks. The pressure of her role has led to severe migraines and a decline in her own mental health, reflecting a broader trend of distress among her colleagues.
The Impact on Patient Care
The working conditions described by mental health workers have raised alarms about the quality of care being provided to patients. Gutierrez-Thompson characterized the environment as a “factory” for both clinicians and patients, where the relentless pace and high demands leave little room for meaningful interaction or support. This sentiment echoes throughout the workforce, with many therapists reporting symptoms of stress and burnout.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
The union’s decision to strike also coincides with a significant milestone in Kaiser’s ongoing struggles with its mental health care system. A year ago, Kaiser entered into a $200 million settlement agreement with the state of California, which included a $50 million fine and a commitment to invest $150 million over five years to address systemic issues within its behavioral health services. However, representatives from the NUHW contend that Kaiser has yet to finalize a corrective action plan with the Department of Managed Health Care, raising questions about the company’s commitment to reform.
Ongoing Violations and Concerns
Despite the settlement, many therapists continue to report violations of the laws that initially prompted the state’s intervention. Fred Seavey, research director for the NUHW, expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, questioning why Kaiser is allowed to persist in these violations a year after the settlement. This ongoing situation has left many workers feeling disillusioned and concerned about the future of mental health care at Kaiser.
Long-Term Perspectives from Workers
Lisa Carroll, a social worker with 17 years of experience at Kaiser’s San Diego Medical Center, reflected on the continuous erosion of care she has witnessed over the years. As she approaches retirement, she hopes to see improvements that would restore the quality of care to what it was when she first joined the organization. Her sentiments resonate with many long-term employees who are disheartened by the current state of mental health services at Kaiser.
The Road Ahead
As the strike date approaches, the stakes are high for both the workers and the patients they serve. The outcome of this labor action could have significant implications for the future of mental health care at Kaiser Permanente, as well as for the broader healthcare landscape in California. With negotiations still ongoing, the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether a resolution can be reached that addresses the pressing concerns of mental health workers while ensuring continued access to care for patients.