TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft resolution proclaiming the City of Long Beach’s support for Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers.
DISCUSSION
Various unions representing Kaiser Permanente workers, such as SEIU United Healthcare Workers West and others in the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, have been in bargaining talks since August to raise wages and increase staffing, citing the COVID-19 Pandemic as one reason for being short-staffed. The workers are asking for a minimum wage of $25 an hour throughout Kaiser Permanente, four-year annual raises of 6.5%, 6.5%, 5.75%, 5.75% for non-minimum wage workers, and an increase in staffing. The workers have authorized a strike if they do not reach an agreement by September 30th. The strike would last three days and begin on October 4th.
The unions cite multiple reasons for their proposals. Kaiser workers are struggling to afford basic necessities due to inflation and the high cost of living, especially in southern California. The healthcare worker shortage has also contributed to staff being overworked, often having to do the job of multiple workers. They further cite record profits made by Kaiser Permanente in the last five years as proof that they can contribute more to raising workers’ wages and fixing the staffing crisis. Kaiser Permanente has proposed a 12% increase in pay over four years for southern California, which SEIU United Healthcare Workers West opposed.
The City of Long Beach should stand with Kaiser healthcare workers fighting for higher wages as well as more equitable staffing conditions. This doesn’t just impact healthcare workers as everyone has healthcare needs that are affected by short staffing. The city has a commitment to advocate for the rights of workers, therefore it is appropriate that the City Council adopts a resolution affirming our support for healthcare workers as they work towards raising wages and addressing staffing challenges.
This matter has been reviewed by Budget Analyst Joe R. Guerrero on September 29, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
This item is being submitted through supplemental agenda due to the time sensitivity of this issue.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests the City Attorney to draft a resolution proclaiming the City of Long Beach's support for Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers. The requested action is anticipated to have a minimal impact on staff hours beyond the budgeted scope of duties and a minimal impact on existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CINDY ALLEN, VICE MAYOR
SECOND DISTRICT
SUELY SARO, COUNCILWOMAN
SIXTH DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA, COUNCILMEMBER
SEVENTH DISTRICT