Negotiations break down as Kaiser mental health workers strike enters second week

Topline:

The union representing some 2,400 striking Kaiser Permanente mental health workers said negotiations with the health care provider have broken down heading into a second week of picketing.

Sticking points: Kaiser mental health workers say they feel like they’re on an assembly line with back-to-back appointments. One big sticking point is that they want more time outside of therapeutic sessions to handle patient charts and other follow up. Kaiser says the union’s request would lead to too much time away from patients.

Patient follow up: Kaiser said in an emailed statement that it reached out to all its members who had appointments this week, connecting with 97% of people and offering care to those who wanted it.

Last week the California Department of Managed Health Care said it was monitoring access to behavioral health care at Kaiser. Regulators said patients who run into issues getting care can call (888) 466-2219.

What’s next: Workers are striking this week throughout Southern California, from Los Angeles to San Diego. The union says there are no bargaining sessions currently scheduled. The 2022 strike in Northern California lasted about 10 weeks.

Go deeper: Kaiser mental health workers could strike tomorrow. What does that mean for patients?