Kaiser Strike To Affect Pharmacies In NorCal

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Employees of Kaiser Permanente plan to walk off the job starting Nov. 15, which will affect outpatient pharmacies across Northern California, health care officials said Friday.

The company received a 10-day notice from the Guild for Professional Pharmacists amid a contract dispute that will trigger a strike beginning mid-month and likely ending Nov. 22.

The work stoppage will likely impact operations at all outpatient pharmacies in the region, Kaiser Permanente said in a statement. Californians who rely on Kaiser's pharmacies were urged to fill their prescriptions ahead of the Nov. 15 walk off.

Company officials said they "hope to reach an agreement with the Guild prior to November 15," as they are still negotiating contracts with the guild.

Kaiser's hospitals will remain open, officials said.

"We encourage you to avoid refill delays by using our free mail order delivery service," the company said.

The news comes as thousands of Kaiser Permanente nurses and other workers were set to walk off the job mid-month throughout Southern California and Oregon, ABC7 reported.

The Southland strike will impact more than 360 hospitals and medical centers across the region, according to the United Nurses Assns. of California/Union of Health Care Professionals.