Kaiser health care workers vote to strike
Speaker 1: (00:01)
Negotiations break down and Kaiser health care workers vote to
Speaker 2: (00:04)
Strike. You know, we're talking about people all up and down, California here, you know, 32,000 workers.
Speaker 1: (00:10)
I'm Maureen Kavanaugh. This is KPBS mid-day edition. The San Diego Mexico border officially reopens Monday, and some travelers will be asked about their vaccination status.
Speaker 3: (00:32)
And you should also have proof of your vaccination status in case the officer asks not all travelers will be asked for proof of vaccination
Speaker 1: (00:41)
And a puppet named Andre and a hip hop Nutcracker highlight our weekend preview that's ahead on midday edition Contract negotiations between Kaiser and his healthcare workers union have stalled. So the employees have issued a notice to strike. That means if an agreement isn't reached up to 32,000 Kaiser nurses and other healthcare workers will go out on strike in 10 days, union members object to the small wage hike offered by Kaiser. Some claiming the amount is an insult to the work they did during the pandemic. Joining me is Matt Hoffman, KPBS health reporter, and Matt. Welcome. Hey Maureen, what is Kaiser offering in these negotiations?
Speaker 2: (01:37)
Kaiser said that they just recently put out an updated proposal to these nurses and these other healthcare workers. I'm saying that they're offering as much as a 4% a year in pay increases with no takeaways to their, uh, what they call market leading benefits and their retirement programs. Now the union, uh, they want a 4% across the board raises. Um, but they say that this proposal, um, you know, sort of raises the 1% wage proposal for current employees to 2%. So sort of reading between the lines. There may be some employees could qualify for this 4%, but a lot of them obviously would not. They call this most recent, uh, proposal, uh, something of a Trojan horse, uh, to push through this two tier wage proposal. Um, that's sort of the crux of a lot of this arguing.
Speaker 1: (02:21)
And tell us about this two tiered wage structure that Kaiser is proposing. What would that entail?
Speaker 2: (02:25)
Yeah, so the two tier wage structure, as I understand it, you know, talking with union representatives, um, is that, um, after a certain date, you know, next couple of years, uh, new employees, new nurses and other healthcare workers, uh, would be hired at a lower cost than existing healthcare workers. And the union says, Hey, you know, that affects everybody from current healthcare workers to future healthcare workers. Um, and they even say patients to, um, you know, sort of saying that, uh, not only does it reduce, um, their bargaining power, uh, but it creates division in terms of having, you know, some nurses that are getting paid a certain rate and other new that are getting paid a lower rate. Um, but Kaiser says that the challenge that they're trying to address here as the increasingly unaffordable cost of healthcare, and they say that wages and benefits account for half of their operational costs. And they basically say that they're asking their labor partners to address the problem and, and sort of, you know, come to an agreement here that can, uh, make employment, uh, at Kaiser viable for a long way to go. Uh, they also say that a lot of their employees, just the way that Kaiser is structured with their pay, um, some employees are earning, you know, 25, 20 6% above market average, um, in some places, uh, at about 38%.
Speaker 1: (03:35)
So many people regard healthcare workers as heroes during the pandemic, Kaiser has gotten a lot of criticism over these wage offers. I'm wondering, what does the union want? Have they submitted a proposed wage high?
Speaker 2: (03:48)
Yeah, so the union says that they want 4% across the board raises for the next few years. And they feel like that that is a fair number. Um, considering that the amount of revenue that Kaiser brings in, you know, still saying that they were very, uh, viable, uh, during the pandemic in these tough times. Um, and then you have Kaiser under their hand saying that their proposal, when we talk about this two tier Wade system, um, and everything else aims to slow the significant over market growth and compensation. Um, so they, they say that, you know, that they need to propose this to make employment, uh, feasible at Kaiser. Um, for years to come.
Speaker 1: (04:22)
Now, nurses, as you say, are involved in the union, that's issued the strike notice are doctors also threatening to strike?
Speaker 2: (04:29)
No doctors are not threatening to strike as part of this, but you know, we're talking about people all up and down California here, you know, 32,000 workers. I mean, sort of, as you mentioned too, it's not just nurses, but we're talking about pharmacists, midwives, physical and occupational therapists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others. So really a broad swath of people here
Speaker 1: (04:50)
Far reaching what a strike like this be. I mean, how would patients be effected if the Kaiser health care workers really do go out on strike?
Speaker 2: (04:58)
Yeah. So this strike would be I'm up and down California and even in some other areas as well too. You know, I, I sort of just mentioned the number, uh, nearly 32,000 Kaiser Permanente workers. So this would be a pretty large strike. Um, and it's been sort of bubbling up here for a little bit. They've been trying to go shoot this over the last few months. Um, and Kaiser says that, that they are getting ready, you know, if, and when that needs to happen, uh, they said that their managers will, will step up here. Um, and if needed, they will bring in, you know, contingency staff, uh, to be able to maintain care for patients
Speaker 1: (05:29)
And contract negotiations been in the works for a while over Kaiser.
Speaker 2: (05:33)
Yeah. It really started heating up in September. And then, um, just, you know, almost about a month ago in, uh, early October mid-October, um, the strike vote was authorized and it doesn't necessarily mean that they are going to go on strike. Um, but now obviously they've said that the 15th is the day that they are going to go on strike. Um, and basically saying, you know, why, why Kaiser while Kaiser is coming to the table with, you know, some things, funding, some programs, um, some, some boards and committees, um, that they're not, um, you know, they're not addressing the two tier weight system that they think is very, very problematic and they want to see those across the board wage wage increases for everyone.
Speaker 1: (06:08)
So is there any indication that the Kaiser health care workers may actually go through with their strike, their style?
Speaker 2: (06:13)
I mean, there is still time to reach a deal, right? I mean, Kaiser says that they've been meeting regularly since September and believe that an agreement that meets the interest of everyone is possible. Um, but obviously we have the strike, not only the strike vote authorization, but then we have the strike date. Um, and actually if you go to the union's website, there's sort of an FAQ page with, you know, where to be at what time, how you can help. Um, so it seems like all indications are pointing to that. A strike is going to happen. Um, but obviously we still have a little bit more than a week. Um, so you never know what could happen at the barking table. I've been
Speaker 1: (06:44)
Speaking with Matt Hoffman, KPBS health reporter, Matt.
Speaker 2: (06:47)
Thank you. Thanks Maureen.
Speaker 1: (06:59)
After 19 months of a non-essential travel ban, the U S Mexico border will finally reopen Monday, but as KPBS reporters, Gustavo Solis and Alexandra, Ron have found the reopening will come with long waits and bureaucratic hassles.
Speaker 4: (07:16)
Yeah. The yes knows exactly what she wants to do. As soon as the border reopens to non-essential travel, visit her son and go shopping. She says, Diaz is a Mexican citizen with a tourist visa. Her son recently became an American citizen, but he hasn't been able to get a pass support. So they've been stuck without being able to see each other. Since July. The us says being separated from him has been difficult, But her weight will be over starting Monday. That's when she and other non-essential travelers will finally be allowed to cross into the us. As long as they've been vaccinated, he says, Gusto, the customs and border protection officer in charge of the sunny Seattle port of entry explained the new process.
Speaker 3: (08:04)
If you're a visa holder traveling for non-essential reasons, you can verbally attest or declare at primary to the CBP officer as to your vaccination status. We ask that you do not wait for the officer to ask you the question. You should also have proof of your vaccination status. In case the officer asks not all travelers will be asked for proof of vaccination
Speaker 4: (08:28)
Border patrol agents will randomly check people for vaccination proof, similar to how they conduct vehicle inspections. Everyone must have their vaccination papers, but not everyone will be asked to show them. And there is no way of knowing who will be asked and who won't
Speaker 3: (08:45)
It's random. And I mean, if the officer deems that he or she needs to ask,
Speaker 4: (08:50)
Getting a vaccination certificate in Tijuana has proven to be easier said done. That is his [inaudible]. He is California's federal delegate, who oversee social programs. It's his job to make sure everyone eligible in the state gets the right paperwork. He showed us the certificate. People can use as proof of vaccination. It's a QR code border officials can scan, but the certificates are full of errors.
Speaker 2: (09:20)
[inaudible]
Speaker 4: (09:23)
Says they had about 3,200 people waiting in line every day, asking for corrections. Now it's about 1200 people daily
Speaker 2: (09:32)
[inaudible]
Speaker 4: (09:35)
Says the problem is people didn't fill in their personal information correctly on their original documents. He says a lot of people provided false addresses and telephones because they didn't trust the federal government with their personal information who even understands the frustration living in a border community. It means crossing on a regular basis and not being able to cross feels like being cut off from half of your world. The Quanta has a border spirit. He says, people from the Quanah are the most American nights. Mexicans and people from California are the most Mexican Americans. People who have the right paperwork will have to deal with another obstacle before crossing the border long wait times. Border wait times at Sandy Seadrill were notoriously long even before COVID times, but now wait times could be longer than never
Speaker 3: (10:33)
[inaudible]. We are expecting an increase in travelers, and we also expecting an increase in wait times
Speaker 4: (10:39)
On a recent weekday, a car broke down just a few yards from the port of entry. CBP has reassigned more officers to meet the anticipated demand, but there are still no plans to reopen the pet west pedestrian crossing or open all of Sunday. See those vehicle traffic lanes, Avon Halina Sanchez says she's already waited 19 months to cross what's another couple of hours. She jokes and says she plans to set up a camping tent for the long wait, Alexandra and hail KPBS news. This story was also reported by KPBS border investigative reporter Gustavo Soliz.
Speaker 1: (11:28)
This is KPBS midday edition. I'm Maureen Kavanaugh. This weekend preview takes us from a puppetry elephant heist to hip hop Sugarplum fairies, and some interesting places in between. Joining me with all the details is KPBS arts editor and producer Julia Dixon Evans, and welcome Julia. Hi Maureen. Thanks for having me. The Murray Hedgecock puppet theater in Belle boa park. We'll bring back an audience. Favorite Henri steals and elephant. What do you know about Henri?
Speaker 5: (12:00)
Right? This is a performance from max Daley, who is a renowned visual artists who won the 2018 San Diego art prize. This was alongside Bob Matheeney and he's also a puppeteer and operates this eccentric art project slash real sardine shop in Seaport village, which is called Oslo sardine bar and max daily. He spent the pandemic hosting regular tea times with Henri, his puppet on Instagram live and grew this really loyal following it's really wholesome. And the play is hand puppets and shadow puppets only with a single puppeteer. I talk to daily this week and the plot is as simple as it is kind of absurd.
Speaker 6: (12:42)
He's like an overtired French guy. And, uh, you only would really know that by his Stripe shirt and he loves tea. So he's drinking tea. And I think he's kind of bored with not having much to do. And he finds out that the circus is coming to town and they're looking for acts. So he tries to come up with a performance and he comes up with an idea for an elephant to climb up the high dive and do a dive into one of his teacups, but he doesn't have an elephant. So he goes to the San Diego zoo to get one
Speaker 5: (13:12)
There's, lots of Commedia dell'arte influence there's vaudeville and punching Judy ticks. And the show runs just this weekend and next, and on next Friday, the 12th, they'll also be a special evening performance where Henri will join in the morning glory family band for a performance. And they will also go live on Instagram for a special tea time
Speaker 1: (13:37)
Performances of Henri steals. And elephant are Friday through Sunday at 11 one and 3:00 PM this weekend and next at the Murray Hitchcock puppet theater in Belvaux apart, the hip hop Nutcracker, it comes to town this weekend. What do you know about this?
Speaker 5: (13:54)
This is a touring production for just one night and probably the first holiday related thing you can do. It's choreographed by Jennifer Weber with a cast of a dozen dancers, a DJ and alive violinist, but with a few exceptions, it uses the original checkoff scene score. So there's hip hop, dance break, dancing all happening to this familiar classical music it's set in present day, New York city, but again, the same familiar characters too. They're just wearing sneakers. There's there's mice, there's Maria Clara, the Nutcracker prince, the land of sweets. And when I first witnessed this, it almost felt like it was, it was more surprising and startling to me than if it had a hip hop score. It really does show off the technical structures and the expressiveness of hip hop as a dance form. And it's this Saturday at seven, o'clock at the civic theater, and they are requiring proof of vaccination negative COVID test within 72 hours.
Speaker 1: (14:54)
And once again, the hip hop Nutcracker will be performed Saturday night at the civic theater. There's an exhibition at the Benita museum and cultural center. That includes the poetry of code,
Speaker 5: (15:07)
Right? It's called rule 42 stretched language. And this is an exhibition based around the idea of visual poetry and mathematical poetry and how we can use that to understand the world it's curated by via Roberto, who used to be the gallery director of the art gallery at Southwestern college. There's a conceptual piece in the show. That's written on a TSR, 80 machine in basic code language. There's also every shirt, poetry and video works in sculptural installations. And tomorrow's opening reception, which is from four 30 to seven 30. That will include some poetry and spoken word performances from Alex [inaudible] and Rosa Sandoval. And the Bonita museum is always free. And it's open every Wednesday through Saturday from 10 to four, the
Speaker 1: (15:59)
42 stretched language exhibition opens at the Benita museum tomorrow and runs through December 3rd. Now a virtual option, red fish, blue fish performs a live stream on Saturday. Can you remind us about this group?
Speaker 5: (16:15)
Right? This is the famous experimental percussion ensemble out of UC San Diego's music department. It's all helmed by Steven Schick. Uh, there'll be live streaming to works. There's ad 2019 piece by [inaudible] called to give you form and breadth, which is inspired by joy. Harjo his poetry. And then the 2009 work timber by Michael Gordon, which is utterly mesmerizing. The ensemble plays in a circle with six two by fours, cut to specific sizes to get distinct pitches. And that's it. The only instrument both of these works are for found or custom made instruments like those two by fours or flower pots, resonant metals and glass bottles too. There will be a small audience at this, but it's only accessible to current UC San Diego students, faculty, or staff so that they can show the current campus COVID protocol. And the rest of us can watch from home
Speaker 1: (17:15)
Fish. Blue fish will perform a live stream Saturday at 5:00 PM. And finally, on Monday you can check out a debut feature film, Anna, who they pulled out of the river, it's screening at the new theater at the Mingei,
Speaker 5: (17:29)
Right. It's from standard fantastic pictures and filmmaker, Omar Lopez about a woman, Anna, who is abandoned as an infant along the banks of the Tijuana river and raised in a sort of collective parenting feat by the entire city of Tijuana. And the mother returns 20 years later to find her daughter grown and powerful. There's lots of dream sequences and artistic structures that the filmmaker plays with. Like it's in black and white on 16 millimeter analog film, and the score consists of different arrangements at a single song. It's the standard. The world is waiting for the sunrise it's arranged and performed by locals Clinton, Ross Davis and Mara K
Speaker 1: (18:20)
The film screens Monday at 1 34 30 and 7:30 PM at the Mingei for details on these and more arts events or to sign up for Julia's weekly curated arts newsletter go to kpbs.org/arts. I've been speaking with KPBS arts producer and editor, Julia Dixon Evans. And thank you, Julia.
Speaker 5: (18:41)
Thank you, Maureen. Have a good weekend.
