The Trump administration defended the staffing levels of the National Weather Service amid criticism following catastrophic flooding in Texas that resulted in at least 80 deaths, asserting that staffing did not impact the storm's forecast or response, despite concerns from meteorologists and officials about staffing shortages and forecast accuracy.
McKinsey & Co is offering some employees in the U.K. and the U.S. nine months of pay and career training to leave the firm, as part of an initiative linked to the company's staffing levels. The initiative allows workers to focus on finding a new job for nine months before leaving the consulting firm, with access to career coaching and company-provided tools. The move comes as McKinsey and other consulting firms navigate a slowdown in the industry, which reportedly produces about $860 billion globally.
Best Buy has successfully tackled shoplifting by implementing higher staffing levels in stores, full-service cashier lanes, security staff at entrances, and other strategies. While many retailers have reduced staffing levels to save costs, Best Buy's focus on strong customer service support and well-trained staff has helped them prevent shrink and compete against online giants like Amazon. Experts suggest that more retailers should adopt similar practices to deter shoplifting, as higher levels of staffing can make a difference in deterring theft. Lowe's has also attributed its low theft rates to higher staffing levels in stores.
Kaiser Permanente has reached a tentative agreement with health care worker unions, representing 85,000 workers, following a recent strike over wages and staffing levels. The deal includes setting minimum hourly wages at $25 in California and $23 in other states, along with a 21% wage increase over four years. The agreement also addresses subcontracting, outsourcing, and investing in the current workforce. The ratification process is set to begin next week. President Joe Biden applauded the deal, emphasizing the importance of supporting health care workers. California Governor Gavin Newsom also signed a law raising the minimum wage for health care workers to $25 per hour over the next decade.
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions is negotiating a new national contract with the healthcare giant, and if an acceptable deal is not reached, over 75,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers have voted to authorize a strike. The strike would impact the millions of people served by Kaiser's hospitals and medical offices across several states. Union representatives have criticized Kaiser for a lack of engagement, particularly regarding staffing levels, while Kaiser remains confident that an agreement can be reached before the contract expires on September 30.
Unions representing nearly 64,000 Kaiser Permanente health care workers in California, Oregon, and Washington have authorized a strike if a new contract is not reached by September 30. The workers, including nurses and support staff, are demanding better pay and improved staffing levels. In addition to the three states, workers in Colorado have also authorized a strike, and union members in other states may follow suit. The unions are seeking a four-year contract with pay hikes and an annual performance bonus. This strike could potentially be the largest ever health care worker strike in the United States.
The Biden administration has proposed new regulations that would dictate staffing levels at nursing homes for the first time, in response to the systemic problems exposed by COVID-19. However, the proposed threshold falls short of what many advocates had hoped for, drawing criticism from both advocates and the nursing home industry. The proposed rules call for staffing equivalent to 3 hours per resident per day, with just over half an hour of it coming from registered nurses. The rules also require facilities to have an RN on staff 24 hours a day. The government estimates that the majority of nursing homes would need to add staff under these rules. The proposal now enters a public comment period and would take years to fully take effect.
The Biden administration's promise to establish minimum staffing levels for nursing homes has been criticized after a research study commissioned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made no specific recommendations and analyzed staffing levels lower than previous evaluations. The study concluded that there is no single staffing level that guarantees quality care, but higher staffing levels would lead to improved care outcomes. Patient advocates are concerned that the administration will fall short of its pledge to protect nursing home residents, as the proposals for new rules are already six months behind schedule. The nursing home industry has been lobbying against a uniform ratio of patients to nurses and aides, citing workforce challenges and the need for increased Medicaid payments. The study, which has not been formally released, has been described as "heartbreaking" by advocates who argue that it undermines efforts to hold facilities accountable for understaffing.
Healthcare workers represented by the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions are preparing for a strike authorization vote due to concerns over unfair practices in contract negotiations and inadequate staffing levels. The potential strike could affect 23 Southern California Kaiser Permanente locations and would join a list of industries that have experienced walkouts in 2023.
Thousands of hotel workers in the greater Los Angeles area have gone on strike over pay and staffing levels, affecting major hotels during the Fourth of July weekend and a large convention. The rising cost of living, particularly housing, is a key issue, as workers struggle to afford to live in the area. The union is also bargaining for guaranteed staffing levels, automatic digital tipping, and the continuation of health insurance and pension programs. Only one hotel, Westin Bonaventure, reached a tentative agreement in time to avoid a strike. The strike coincides with the Anime Expo, which typically draws over 100,000 attendees.