Kaiser's mental health clinicians strike
Honolulu Star-AdvertiserMay 19, 2022
May 19—Kaiser Permanente's
The proposed compensation package would make it hard for Kaiser to attract and retain mental health professionals, according to the employees who are represented by the
"This strike is about patient care, " said
Kaiser has conceded that it has a shortage of mental health professionals, but says that the shortage exists nationwide and is particularly acute in Hawaii.—PHOTOS :
Kaiser, in a statement, said that it's unfortunate that the union chose to strike and said it's a bargaining tactic routinely employed by the union when it's negotiating contracts.
"It is especially disappointing that the union is asking our dedicated and compassionate employees to walk away from their patients, " Kaiser said in a statement. "The need for mental health care among our members and patients has never been greater, and the stress and disruption caused by the ongoing pandemic has made it even more important. We have the greatest respect and gratitude for our mental health professionals and are committed to supporting them in their vitally important work. We urge our employees to reject the union's call for a strike, continue to focus on providing high-quality care and work with us through the bargaining process to finalize a new mutually beneficial agreement."
Kaiser said that it has been contacting all patients with appointments scheduled for the rest of the week to alert them of the situation and that it has psychiatrists and licensed behavioral health managers available to respond to urgent needs.
The strike is planned for locations on
Employees plan to picket in front of Kaiser Maui Lani Medical Office and Kaiser Honolulu Medical Office on Thursday and Kaiser Waipio Medical Office on Friday.
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