Kaiser Permanente Workers Rally for Safe Staffing Amid Contract Talks

Healthcare workers at three Kaiser Permanente facilities in Portland will picket next week to demand safe staffing measures and better working conditions. The labor union SEIU Local 49 claims that Kaiser Permanente management is demanding more from employees without providing adequate staff levels. The picket comes less than three months before the employees' contract expires. Kaiser Permanente has billions of dollars in profits that could be used to address workforce needs. Understaffing in hospitals can impact patient care. Kaiser Permanente recognizes the picket as a negotiating tactic and aims to reach an agreement that ensures market-competitive pay and benefits. The pickets are scheduled to take place at different times throughout the week and will not disrupt patient care.