Healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente, one of the biggest non-profit health providers in the US, are preparing for a massive strike in early October. With tens of thousands of unionized employees ready to walk out, this strike could be the largest healthcare strike in the country’s history, involving over 75,000 workers across multiple states.

Kaiser Permanente, renowned for its extensive network of hospitals and medical offices, serves a staggering 12.7 million members. However, not all staff will be participating in the strike, as the union represents roughly 40% of Kaiser Permanente’s total workforce.

The strike, scheduled to take place from October 4 to October 7, could potentially disrupt patient care. Kaiser Permanente, however, asserts that contingency plans are in place to guarantee the provision of quality care during this period.

At the heart of the matter lie demands from the healthcare workers’ union. They are seeking salary increases, job protections, improved retiree benefits, and more advanced notice regarding changes in remote work arrangements. The workers claim that their salaries have failed to keep pace with the high cost of living, and they strongly believe that Kaiser Permanente is currently facing a shortage in staffing.

One of the striking workers noted that if an agreement is not reached following the October strike, a more robust and elongated strike in November could have additional consequences for the US economy.

This healthcare strike is just a part of a larger surge in labor strikes across various sectors this year. Recently, auto workers and Hollywood industry workers have also staged strikes, highlighting a growing trend among workers to fight for improved rights and conditions.

As the strike approaches, tension is mounting and both the workers and Kaiser Permanente are hoping to reach a resolution before any harm is done to patient care or the economy.