A Kaiser Permanente health care center is pictured in Anaheim, California, U.S., October 3 as more than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers could go on strike from October 4 to October 7 across the United States. after failed contract negotiations with their employer, Kaiser Permanente, a company whose business model is distinctive, compared to most health care providers in the United States.
Kaiser was designed to be a one-stop shop for all patients’ needs. Members can access a wide array of services through the system, including primary care, lab testing, telemedicine, mental health care, pharmacy services and even cosmetic treatments. However, except for emergencies and special cases, any care outside Kaiser Permanente’s system is not covered.
Kaiser Permanente employees chant outside Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center on their first day of strike on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in San Jose, Calif. Kaiser Permanente employees including Edwin Moreno, right, a housekeeping aide, picket outside Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center on the first day of strike on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in San Jose, Calif.
Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers form a picket line as they begin a strike nationwide at Kaiser Oakland Medical Center in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. About 75,000 healthcare workers across the country take part in the largest strike in United States history. Workers demand higher wages and solutions to staffing shortage.
Oakland patient Mario Zelaya supports Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers as he takes part in a picket line during the strike nationwide at Kaiser Oakland Medical Center in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. About 75,000 healthcare workers across the country take part in the largest strike in United States history. Workers demand higher wages and solutions to staffing shortage.
Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers form a picket line as they begin a strike nationwide at Kaiser Oakland Medical Center in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. About 75,000 healthcare workers across the country take part in the largest strike in United States history. Workers demand higher wages and solutions to staffing shortage.