President of the American Federation of Teachers, Nurses and Healthcare Professionals (AFT), Randi Weingarten, has joined the chorus of voices in support of OFNHP's recent picket at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center, saying that the time has come for Kaiser, and all healthcare employers, to ensure safe staffing for their healthcare professionals and patient.
On January 13th, around 200 OFNHP members, community supporters, and patients picketed outside of Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center to demand a change. "The employer LOVES it when we are divided, because it means we are weak, and when we are weak, we lose sight of the fact that we have a common cause and a common foe,” said Nicole Brun-Cottan, a physical therapist and leader in the Pro unit.
As of 5:15 on January 10th, the President of Oregon Federation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals (OFNHP), Jonathon Baker, filed a "demand to bargain" setting the expectation that Kaiser Permanente negotiates with our Bargaining Unit leaders over the impacts of the recent situation with our members.
Jonathon has issued this statement upon the filing of the "demand to bargaing":
On January 3rd, the nurses and healthcare professionals at Kaiser Permanente in Oregon and Southwest Washington filed a notice of an intent to hold a picket at Sunnyside Medical Center on the afternoon of January 13th.
After the December 7th State of Emergency declaration issued by Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s office, nurses and healthcare professionals are raising concerns about how this could further exacerbate the staffing crisis.
