Major Kaiser Healthcare Strike Threatened for Early November as Unions Demand Staffing Increases

Coalition of unions representing 75,000+ Kaiser employees threatens second strike after carrying out large strike last week

Unions announced follow-up strike from Nov 1-8 if progress not made in contract talks by October end

Strike could include additional 3,000 workers, bringing total to 78,000

Last week's strike impacted Kaiser hospitals in several states with picket lines

Unions want increased staffing, accusing Kaiser of "short-staffing crisis"

Unions also want raises, protections against outsourcing, right to organize acquired hospitals

Kaiser offered wage increases, performance sharing plan changes, outsourcing updates

Kaiser says acute shortage of healthcare workers nationwide but has hired 50,000 in last 2 years