We are ending the third week of our strike with Kaiser under increasing pressure over how it’s treating patients seeking care.
We’ve learned that the California Department of Managed Health Care has opened an Enforcement Investigation against Kaiser looking into whether it’s complying with state law during the strike.
Having an open investigation makes it easier for the agency to obtain documentation relating to Kaiser’s actions during the strike. Kaiser’s $200 million Settlement Agreement with the DMHC grew out of an enforcement investigation that began in August of 2022 and concluded in October of 2023.
Meanwhile, we’re starting to see more media coverage over Kaiser’s inadequate plan to provide behavioral health services during the strike. The San Diego Union Tribune published a story on Thursday and KPCC Public Radio/LAist published a story this afternoon.
The LAist story includes an interview from the strike line last week with Lulu Favela, whose video supporting her therapist, Roxana, went viral.
“To be quite honest with you, it took a lot for me to build a relationship and honestly to even start therapy. Especially being Latina, there’s a whole bunch of taboo surrounding it,” Favela said.
She said she had no idea the video would go viral, but she was grateful it was bringing attention to the strike.
“It’s not fair to Roxana and it’s not fair to myself either that she can’t do her job because she’s overworked, underpaid and undervalued,” Favela said.
New picket schedule
There are a few changes to the picket line schedule starting next week, including one less day in Anaheim, and one more day in San Diego and Downey. Also, the picket line in Baldwin Park is moving from Tuesdays to Wednesdays.
Hardship Fund info and other resources
Hardship fund applications have officially opened, with this week being the first week to apply. The hardship fund is a member-led effort to ensure people have additional resources to stay out as long as it takes to win. It is not, however, intended to replace weekly wages.
You can find the official rules for disbursement here and the application form here. Available funds are based solely on funds received through the crowdfunding campaign. Note that applications for the fund are now due Fridays at 5pm for disbursement for the following Friday.
Be sure to share the donation links with your extended networks to ensure we have adequate funds for disbursement. Please be patient as the committee works out our workflow and challenges with distributing such large amounts of money.
If you need support with groceries, we have food donations coming in from labor allies. If you would like a grocery box, please fill out this form or ask your organizer to share the form with you.
The Los Angleles Labor Fededration, in partnership with the non-profit Labor Community Services, has access to resources and information on how to defer mortgage and utility payments, as well as access to other financial support. Check our campaign website under “Financial Support Services Research” for further info.
Picket line photos
See the gallery of photos below, including some spooky Halloween photos, and see more on NUHW’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
