Kaiser Permanente Works Begin Voting On Whether Or Not To Strike

Lake Oswego OR

04 October, 2021

8:30 PM

Description

LAKE OSWEGO, OR —More than 3,400 health care workers are voting on whether to strike against Kaiser Permanente. the employees work at Kaiser Permanente facilities across the state. The current contract expired on September 30. The Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, who represent 3,400 people employed by Kaiser in Oregon say that a recent survey of registered nurses who belong to the union found that if the vote were taken now, 93 percent would vote to walk. Live in Portland? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. "Striking is always our last resort, but Kaiser seems determined to push forward proposals that would hurt staff, patients, and our entire public health system," Jodi Barschow, a Kaiser RN and President of OFNHP, says. A vote to authorize a strike does not guarantee that the workers will strike. It just gives union leadership the authorization to call one if its deemed necessary. "Kaiser needs to do the right thing and put our patients before profits."