This article is reprinted from the Speak Out Now healthcare newsletter at Kaiser and Highland Hospitals in Oakland, CA.
In recent weeks, residents from Kaiser Northern California have formalized the process of starting a union. This marks a significant step forward, potentially establishing the first union for residents in a Northern California Kaiser facility and addressing the absence of representation for this group among Kaiser healthcare workers. One of the primary motivations behind this unionization effort is the demand for higher pay and relief from grueling work hours, which can amount to as much as 80 hours per week.
Despite the ingrained tradition of enduring such demanding schedules, residents are banding together to challenge this reality and signal their readiness to advocate for change. The success of Stanford residents in securing a pay increase through unionization serves as inspiration for this ongoing fight.
