As employees for Kaiser Permanente prepare to hit the picket line Wednesday, the health care company says they've been "making progress" - but what should workers and patients expect if a strike kicks off?As employees for Kaiser Permanente prepare to hit the picket line Wednesday, the health care company says they've been "making progress" - but what should workers and patients expect if a strike kicks...
There appeared to be less optimism on the union side, which circulated plans to picketing that would begin at 6 a.m. Wednesday at Kaiser locations throughout the state.With 75,000 Kaiser workers expected to take part, all of those employees will essentially walk off their jobs.
"In Southern California, where our wages significantly exceed market levels, we are offering wage increases of 10% over four years plus lump sum bonuses of 4%, to keep our employees well compensated,'' according to Kaiser.Kaiser said all hospitals and emergency departments will remain open with physicians, managers, and staff. "In some cases, we will augment with contingent workers," Kaiser said.