Kaiser Permanente could soon be facing another strike, as the company’s pharmacy workers across Southern California participated in picket captain training and picket sign-making sessions Saturday.
With negotiations stalled since April, the members of UFCW Local 770 authorized a strike last week. The union’s contract expires Nov. 1.
Workers say they’re seeking the following:
— Safe patient care and staffing levels to secure patients’ safety;
— A collaborative process in patient scheduling to ensure providers have the time needed to deliver quality care;
— Competitive wages that reflect workers skills and dedication;
— Alignment of all Kaiser contracts to expire at the end of October, along with the rest of the Alliance of Healthcare Unions.
Kaiser representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday.
Last week, more than 30,000 unionized Kaiser nurses and other health professionals returned to their jobs after a five-day strike in California, Oregon and Hawaii.
Representatives for those workers resumed bargaining with the company.