Largest Health Care Strike in U.S. History Underway
Ask students: Who is involved in the healthcare strike at Kaiser Permanente What do the healthcare workers hope to achieve from the strike?
The largest healthcare worker strike in U.S. history is underway after Kaiser Permanente and its unionized employees failed to reach a new contract agreement. The strike is set to last three days as contract negotiations continue. Workers say they are focusing on wage increases and solutions to staffing shortages. Geoff Bennett spoke with union director Caroline Lucas.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who is involved in the healthcare strike at Kaiser Permanente?
- What do the healthcare workers hope to achieve from the strike?
- How long could the strike last?
- Where did the strike occur, including the specific states and locations?
- Why did the strike occur?
Focus Questions
How do you think the strike at Kaiser Permanente might affect health care for people across the U.S.? What do you think will be some short-term results? Some long-term ones?
Media Literacy: Who do you think reporters should talk to whenever workers go on strike? What perspectives are important?
Extension Activity
Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — what actions could Kaiser Permanente take to meet the union's demands and resolve the strike?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of NewsHour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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