This article is reprinted from the Speak Out Now healthcare newsletter at Kaiser and Highland Hospitals in Oakland, CA.
Kaiser expects a lot from its on call workers – but the obligation seems to only go one way. The most recent SEIU-UHW contract, for example, allows managers to require on calls give up to 10 days per month of availability (including a whopping 4 weekend days). However, on calls are given no guarantees that they will work a single shift in any given month.
While not technically a requirement, many managers have chosen to crack down on on call availability, citing short staffing as the reason for their strictness. However, because of the unreliability and variability of on call work, many of these workers have multiple jobs and can have a hard time giving consistent availability when they can’t expect consistent work in return.
Because of this, many on call workers at Kaiser have been forced to resign, only making the short staffing problem worse. Except we must be clear, management and their unrealistic expectations are what’s to blame.
Click here to read the article printed in the 07-29-24 Healthcare Newsletter
