SUMMARY
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.
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM UP 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?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
FOR MORE
What students can do: Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — what actions could Kaiser Permanente take to meet the union's demands and resolve the strike?
STUDENT VIDEO (July 9, 2021)
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