Health Workers Strike: Who's Really Paying the Price?

Over 31,000 Workers on Strike for Four Weeks

Key Demands:

• 25% raise over four years
• Improved working conditions
• Inflation-adjusted wages

Impact on Patients:

• Canceled appointments
• Long waits for prescriptions
• Delayed surgeries and treatments

Union vs. Kaiser Permanente

United Nurses Associations of California

• Represents nurses, physical therapists, and other health professionals
• Argues for higher raises to attract and retain employees
• Points to Kaiser's $66 billion in reserves

Kaiser Permanente

• Offers 21.5% raise over four years
• Claims current workers are among the highest paid
• Says union's proposal is too costly
• Reserves are for emergencies and long-term needs

Patient Perspective

Cecilia Ochoa:

• Faced long lines and staff shortages at the pharmacy
• Supports the strikers
• Believes Kaiser has lost sight of patient care

The Bigger Picture

• Strike highlights the impact of inflation on health workers
• Other Kaiser unions have received inflation-adjusted raises
• Strike raises questions about the future of health care and who bears the cost of rising expenses