US: Healthcare workers in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington State launch 72-hour strike Oct. 4

Event

Unionized healthcare employees of Kaiser Permanente, including nurses, technicians, and support staff, launched a 72-hour strike in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington State on Oct. 4. Around 75,000 workers in the four states are striking to demand higher wages, protections against outsourcing, and a strategy from Kaiser Permanente to address staffing shortages, among other concessions. Additionally, around 400 pharmacists and optometrists in Washington, DC, and Virginia launched a one-day strike early Oct. 4.

Kaiser Permanente representatives have said that emergency departments and hospitals will remain open during the labor action. However, they also cautioned that some nonemergency and elective services will likely be rescheduled. Additionally, dozens of clinics and pharmacies will reportedly close during the strike. In general, reduced healthcare services are likely at all facilities where striking healthcare workers are employed.

Striking healthcare workers will probably also stage demonstrations around the facilities where they are employed. Transport disruptions are possible where related rallies materialize.

Advice

Confirm medical appointments in advance if seeking healthcare services in strike-affected locations. Avoid any demonstrations that materialize. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating near an affected healthcare center due to potential transport disruptions.