Kaiser Permanente nurses’ strike to continue on Monday – NBC Los Angeles

Groups of demonstrators will be back on the picket line at several Kaiser Permanente locations across Southern California on Monday as more than 31,000 registered nurses and health care workers demand a “fair contract agreement” from the hospital system, their union announced Sunday.

Members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals said picketing will take place at the Downey, Panorama, Anaheim, Baldwin Park and Ontario locations, starting at 9 a.m..

At a demonstration in South Sacramento, state legislators will join the striking nurses at the picket line, the union said, but it did not specify.

The work stoppage, which began last Monday, includes registered nurses, pharmacists, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, midwives and physician assistants, according to the union.

The union filed an unfair labor practice charge against Kaiser with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging the company walked away from the bargaining table in December and has attempted to bypass the agreed-upon national bargaining process. The union had been bargaining with Kaiser since last May.

A statement released by Kaiser Permanente said it has plans to ensure members and patients receive safe, high-quality care.

“Our focus remains on reaching agreements that recognize the vital contributions of our employees while ensuring excellent, affordable care. We have proposed 21.5% wage increases — our strongest national bargaining offer ever — and we are prepared to close agreements at local tables now. Employees deserve their raises and patients deserve our full attention, not prolonged disputes.”

The union said the strike will continue “until a fair contract is reached.”