State News

Abstract

A 10‐week strike by about 2,000 therapists and other mental health professionals in Northern California ended with a ratification vote announced Oct. 21, CNN Business reported. The strike, by Kaiser Permanente workers, was one of a growing number of work stoppages nationwide that have been focused on issues other than wages and benefits. The wage increases included in the four‐year Kaiser Permanente deal were relatively modest: a 4% retroactive pay increase for the past year and a 3% raise for each of the next three years. But the workers' union said it won its main bargaining goals of better working conditions that will improve patient care and stop the rapid turnover of staff. Among the changes is an increase from 60 to 90 minutes of time that therapists will have to conduct an initial assessment of children. Kaiser Permanente also committed to increase staffing, according to the union. “Our strike was difficult and draining, but it was worth it,” said Natalie Rogers, a therapist for Kaiser in Santa Rosa, California. “We stood up to the biggest nonprofit [health maintenance organization] HMO in the nation, and we made gains that will help us better serve our patients and will advance the cause of mental health parity throughout the country.”