Strike Frequently Asked Questions
Kaiser executives are bargaining in bad faith over solutions to the Kaiser short staffing crisis, and the safety of workers and patients is on the line. As frontline healthcare workers, we’ve repeatedly raised concerns with Kaiser executives about how the Kaiser short staffing crisis is harming workers and patients but they aren’t listening.
Going on strike may be the only way to address Kaiser’s unfair labor practices and secure a strong contract with the pay and benefits needed to retain world-class workers and attract new workers to ensure quality patient care. Be sure you’re ready for the possibility of a strike by understanding the facts and our rights.
Basic Information
What is a strike?
A strike is when workers unite and withhold our labor to protest against unfair treatment by our employer. By taking collective action, workers take a powerful stand for fair treatment and real respect. A strike is usually a last resort after an employer has refused efforts to resolve issues and treat workers fairly.
Why would we go on strike?
We would strike to protest Kaiser’s unfair labor practices, refusal to bargain with us fairly, and to win the raises and better standards of living that our families deserve. We would strike to protect our patients from under-staffing, long wait times, and to make sure we invest in the next generation of healthcare workers.
When would our strike be?
Our strike begins at 6AM Wednesday October 4th, and ends at 6AM on Saturday, October 7th.
How long would our strike be?
The strike would last for 3 days and we plan to return to work on October 7th at 6AM.
What am I expected to do during a strike?
Show up to the picket line every day. Bring your family and ensure everyone in your facility participates in all strike actions. Winning this fight demands the full participation of all of us to show Kaiser management that we are united, determined to be treated fairly, and will not back down.
Work Questions
Can I use vacation or sick days for the strike?
No. Sick days and vacation days cannot be used during a strike.
Can I take a pre-approved vacation in October if it’s during the same time as the strike?
Yes, you can take approved vacation days and/or medical. You can join strike pickets during preapproved vacation days, but sick days cannot be used to join strike activities.
Can management deny vacation requests in October due to the looming strike?
Yes. Management can deny vacation requests aimed at securing vacation during the strike.
Can we get attendance occurrences for the days we are on strike?
No. You cannot be disciplined or subjected to attendance occurrences for the days that you join
the strike. Kaiser cannot retaliate against you in any way for engaging in lawful strike activities.
Can I be fired for going on strike?
No. Employees have a right to strike under the National Labor Relations Act and you cannot be disciplined, retaliated against or fired for going on strike. This right applies to all employees, including probationary employees, part-time, full-time, etc.
Do I need to tell my supervisor I will not be working? Should I call out?
No, SEIU Local 105 has already given a 10-day notification in advance of our strike. You do not need to call out. Your supervisor may ask you if you are going on strike. Your bargaining team recommends a YES answer.
Can I Be Disciplined For Participating In Our Strike?
No. A strike is a protected activity, and it is illegal for an employer to even threaten an employee with
discipline. Please report any abuse by management immediately to a bargaining team member or SEIU Local 105 representative.
Will I still get paid for my vacation if my approved vacation occurs during the strike?
Yes. If Kaiser doesn’t pay your approved vacation time because it occurred during the strike, that would be an Unfair Labor Practice, and our union would file those charges on your behalf.
Can I strike if I am on probation or on call?
Yes. Probationary and on-call employees have the same right as everyone else to strike.
Will Kaiser take away my healthcare if I’m on strike?
No. Even if Kaiser decided to cancel our benefits, they would still extend until the end of the month, long after our strike is over and we are back on the job.
What if I can’t afford to go on strike?
We can’t afford not to. A strike is a sacrifice. That is part of its power. It shows Kaiser and the community that we care enough about our futures and our patients to make a real sacrifice to protest Kaiser’s bad faith bargaining. If we don’t make a short-term sacrifice to protest Kaiser executives’ unfair labor practices, we will pay much more in long-term costs in future bonuses lost, raises that don’t keep up with the cost of living, and possibly even our jobs if Kaiser has the right to subcontract our work. Kaiser is raking in profits, paying their executives millions and giving bonuses to managers while denying them to those who provided the care on the front lines during the pandemic. They are disrespecting each and every one of us and we must take a stand.
Will there be food on the strike line?
Yes, SEIU Local 105 will provide meals, water, sodas, and snacks.
What About Others?
What will happen to our patients during a strike?
When we gave our 10-day notice to strike, it became Kaiser’s responsibility to reschedule procedures, hire temporary replacements, and make a plan to provide care.
Can non-union members or members of other unions join our strike line?
Yes. Other workers can lend support and make an individual decision not to cross our picket line.
Employees who are non-union should notify their supervisors that they do not want to cross a picket line. Members of other unions should consult their union for their rights.
Are we in this alone?
No. Along with our 85,000-member strong national coalition, Colorado’s labor movement, local elected officials and community groups are united in our fight.
Strike Resource Guide
Going on Strike
Workers do not get paid for days they are on strike. As such, standing up for your rights and livelihood by going on strike always involves a financial sacrifice in order to stand up for the future. This guide is intended to provide striking Kaiser SEIU Local 105 members with information that can assist them as they fight for their rights and a good contract.
Solidarity Help
Workers who are on strike always assist one another in a number of ways. Many Kaiser members have already begun discussing how they can support one another with food, childcare, transportation, and more during a potential strike. Members should continue–or begin–these conversations on how to assist one another. Also, during a strike–like most recently during the King Soopers strike–many members of the community come forward to offer assistance. Churches often support their members, and community groups and members often deliver food or grocery cards to picket lines or make financial donations to strike relief funds. Just as you are standing up for your patients and community, your patients and community will stand up for you.
Food Banks and Pantries
The following is a list of food banks and pantries organized by municipality. The hours and activity of food banks often varies from what is posted online, so it’s a good idea to call beforehand to confirm they are open and to check what type of documentation they require from visitors. A more thorough list of Colorado food banks and pantries can be found at: https://www.foodpantries.org/st/colorado.
Arvada
New Apostolic Church Food Pantry
- 5290 Vance Street, Arvada, CO 80002
- (720) 722-3663
- Food Distribution: Wednesday 9 am to 11 am, back door of building
Rising Church Food Bank
- 7500 West 57th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80002
- (303) 422-1174
- Food Distribution: Saturday and Monday 10 am to 12 pm (noon)
Abundant Life Community Church – Oasis Food Pantry
- 6520 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003
- (303) 421-1373
- Food Distribution: Wednesday 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Sunday 11:45 am to 12::15 pm
Aurora
More Life Center – Colorado Community Church
- 2220 S. Chamber Road, Aurora, CO 80014
- (303) 783-3838
- Food Distribution: Wednesday 9:30 am to 5 pm, First Saturday of the month 5:15 pm to 7 pm, Sunday 10 am to 12:45 pm.
With Open Arms Community Outreach Center – Colorado Christian Fellowship
- 10630 E. Iliff Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014
- (303) 368-7105
- Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 12 pm to 3:30 pm, Sunday 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
- Bring ID or proof of local residence
Salvation Army Aurora Cares Food Pantry
- 802 Quari Ct, Aurora, CO 80011
- (720) 285-2025
- Tuesday and Thursday 2 pm to 3:30 pm, Wednesday 4 pm to 6 pm.
Brighton
Chapel Hill Food Pantry
- 10 Chapel Hill Drive, Brighton, CO 80601
- (720) 352-7298
- 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month – 4 pm to 5:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 to 10 am.
- Bring ID
Calvary Chapel Food Pantry
- 103 E Bridge St, Brighton, CO 80601
- (303) 659-1886
- 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month 1:30 am to 3 pm.
Boulder
Harvest of Hope Pantry
- 2960 Valmont Rd, Boulder, CO 80301
- (720) 382-1971
- Monday through Saturday 1 pm to 3 pm
Broomfield
Broomfield FISH
- 6 Garden Center, Broomfield, CO 80020
- (303) 465-1600
- Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm
Crossroads Cares
- 6900 West 117th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80020
- (303) 918-0075
- Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am to 2 pm, Thursday 5 pm to 7 pm
Centennial
Smoky Hill Vineyard Church Food Bank
- 20050 E. Smoky Hill Rd, Centennial, CO 80015
- (303) 690-2520
- Saturday 8:30 am to 10:30 am, Sunday at 10251 E 1st Ave Aurora CO 80010 – 1 pm to 2:20 pm
Colorado Springs
Ecumenical Social Ministries Food Pantry
- 201 N. Weber St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- (719) 636-1916
- Monday through Friday 9 am to 11:30 am and 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Care and Share Food Bank
- 2605 Preamble Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
- (719) 528-1247
- Friday 8 am to 5 pm
Mercy’s Gate
- 4360 Montebello Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
- (719) 277-7470
- Monday 4 pm to 7 pm, Wednesday 9 am to 12 pm, Thursday 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm, Friday 9 am to 12 pm
- Zip code specific, call beforehand
High Plains Helping Hands
- 7375 Adventure Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80923
- (719) 495-3123
- Tuesday and Thursday 10 am to 4 pm, 3rd Saturday 10 am to 1 pm
- Zip codes covered include: 80923, 80808, 80828, 80830, 80831, 80832, 80833, 80835, 80864, 80106 and 80930
Commerce City
Adams County Food Distribution Food Pantry
- Commerce City, CO 80022
- (720) 878-3563
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 9 am to 1 pm
- Proof of Adams County residency and photo ID
Denver
Food Bank of the Rockies
- 10700 East 45th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239
- (303) 371-9250
- Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
- Call to confirm hours
Metro Caring
- 1100 E 18th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
- (303) 860-7200
- Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 3 pm, Tuesday 6 pm to 8 pm
- Call ahead, bring ID
Crossroads of the Rockies
- 2707 W Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80219
- (303) 922-8772
- Tuesday and Thursday 9 am to 11:15 am, Saturday 9 am to 9:30 am
- ID and proof of residence
Englewood
HOPE: Helping Our People Excel
- 3940 S Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113
- (303) 762-7986
- Monday 11 am to 3 pm
- Arapahoe County Residents
Erie
Erie Community Food Bank
- 635 Pierce Street
- (720) 383-4865
- Thursday: 12 pm to 2 pm and 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 11 am
- Proof of residency in Erie
Greeley
St Vincent de Paul Society St Peter’s Church Food Pantry
- 915 12th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
- (970) 352-1060
- Monday and Thursday 1 pm to 3 pm
- ID required
Lafayette
Sister Carmen Community Center
- 655 Aspen Ridge Drive, Lafayette, CO 80026
- (303) 665-4342
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30 am to 11:30 am and 1 pm to 4 pm, Wednesday 1 pm to 6 pm
Lakewood
The Action Center Food Pantry
- 8755 W 14th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215
- (303) 237-7704
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9 am to 3:30 pm, and Thursday 11 am to 5:30 pm
- Bring ID and proof of Jefferson County residency
Joy’s Kitchen
- 7700 W Woodard Drive, Lakewood, CO 80227
- (720) 577-5973
- Monday at 1765 Kendall 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Tuesday at 1490 Zenobia 11 am to 12:30 pm, Thursday at 7700 Woodward Drive 6 pm to 8 pm, every other Saturday 12 pm to 2 pm
Littleton
Life Center Food Bank
- 5804 S Datura St, Littleton, CO 80210
- (303) 953-7180
- Tuesday 5 pm to 7 pm, Wednesday 10 am to 12 pm
- Bring ID or proof of residency, birth certificate for any children under 18
Calvary Cupboard – Calvary South Denver Church
- 9052 W Ken Caryl Ave, Littleton, CO 80128
- (720) 209-4812
- Friday 10 am to 12 pm
Longmont
OUR Center
- 220 Collyer Street, Longmont, CO 80501
- (303) 772-5529
- Monday through Friday 9 am to 3 pm
Good News Center
- 120 9th Ave, Longmont, CO 80501
- (303) 678-9550
- Wednesday 9 am to 12 pm
- Residents of Boulder County
Loveland
Loveland Vineyard Community Church Food Pantry
- 900 Josephine Court, Loveland, CO 80537
- (970) 667-8668
- Monday through Thursday 9 am to 12 pm
- Requires registering on site
Northglenn
Immaculate Heart of Mary Stewardship Center and Food Bank
- 11426 Pearl Street, Northglenn, CO 80233
- (303) 452-2041
- Bring ID, residents within 104th Ave to the South, 160th Ave to the North, I-25 to the West and Quebec St to the East
Parker
Parker Task Force Food Bank
- 19105 Longs Way, Parker, CO 80134
- (303) 841-3460
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 9 am to 11:30 am
- Proof of address and ID, social security cards for each family member
Pueblo
Care and Share Food Bank – Pueblo
- 100 Greenhorn Drive, Pueblo, CO 81004
- (719) 296-6995
- Monday through Thursday 8 am to 4 pm, Friday 8 am to 12 pm
- Residents of Pueblo County
Agape Fellowship Church Food Pantry
- 611-620 Broadway Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004
- (710) 542-1411
- 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month
- 11 am to 12 pm
- Residents of Pueblo County
Pueblo Cooperative Care Center
- 326 W 8th St, Pueblo, CO 81003
- (719) 543-7484
- Monday through Friday 9 am to 12 pm
- Photo ID for each adult, proof of Pueblo address
Thornton
Neighbor Outreach of Colorado
- 9371 Wigham Street, Thornton, CO 80229
- (720) 938-4304
- 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm
Thornton Community Food Bank
- 8990 York Street, Thornton, CO 80229
- (303) 287-7268
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 1 pm to 3 pm
- Residents of Adams County with some limitations
Westminster
Westminster United Methodist Church Food Assistance
- 3585 W 76th Ave, Westminster, CO 80030
- (303) 429-1569
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:30 pm to 4 pm
- Adams County residents
Advent Lutheran Church
- 7979 Meade Street, Westminster, CO 80030
- (303) 428-7501
- Tuesday and Thursday 10 am to 12 pm
- Call ahead, Adams County residents
Westminster Presbyterian Church FISH Food Bank
- 3990 W 74th Ave, Westminster, CO 80030
- (303) 429-8508
- Monday through Friday 3 pm to 3:30 pm
- Westminster residents from I-25 west to Sheridan Blvd and 52nd North to 144th
Government Benefits and Community Resources
There are a wealth of government benefits and community resources available to working families. Often however, these benefits are dependent on income prior to going on strike and take time to get enrolled in. As such, if you think you may qualify, it is strongly recommended to determine eligibility and sign up for these benefits as soon as possible. The following websites are good aggregators of this information:
Colorado Peak
This website allows Colorado residents to verify their eligibility for government benefits. Since enrollment in these programs can often take time to finalize, it is recommended that you check your eligibility as soon as possible and register now for any benefits you might be entitled to.
211 Colorado
United Way’s 211 Colorado is a confidential service that allows visitors to speak with a representative who helps connect them to social and community resources. 211 Colorado representatives can answer questions and provide referrals for things like rental assistance and food banks.
https://unitedwaydenver.org/2-1-1/
Aunt Bertha
Aunt Bertha is a search engine for community benefits and services by zipcode, and is a good tool to find resources in your neighborhood.
Denver Human Services
Residents of Denver can use the Denver Human Services website to find resources and benefits that they may be eligible for.
General Assistance
Counties in Colorado often have general assistance programs to support residents, available through their Departments of Human Services. The benefits and services they offer vary widely and require calling your local County office (contact information below):
Adams County Human Services
(720) 523-2000
11860 Pecos Street, Westminster
Arapahoe County Human Services
(303) 636-1130
14980 E. Alameda Dr, Aurora
Boulder County Housing and Human Services
(303) 441-1000
3400 North Broadway, Boulder or
515 Coffman St, Longmont
Denver County Human Services
(720) 944-4347
1200 Federal Blvd, Denver, or
3815 Steele St, Denver, or
4685 Peoria St, Denver
Douglas County Human Services
(303) 688-4825
4400 Castleton Ct, Castle Rock
El Paso County Department of Human Services
(719) 636-0000
1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs
Jefferson County Human Services
(303) 271-1388
900 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden
Larimer County Human Services
(970) 498-6300
1501 Blue Spruce Dr, Fort Collins
Mesa County Human Services
(970) 241-8480
510 29-1/2 Rd, Grand Junction
Montezuma County Department of Social Services
(970) 564-4100
109 West Main, Room 203, Cortez
Pueblo County Human Services
(719) 583-6160
201 West 8th St, Pueblo
Weld County Human Services
(970) 352-1551
315 N. 11th Ave, Greeley
Bills and Utilities
If you are unable to make minimum payments, contact your creditors as soon as possible, preferably before you fall behind on payments.
- Notify creditors in writing that you are a member of SEIU Local 105, and may be on strike in the near future,
- Request to arrange reduced or deferred payments;
- If you don’t hear back within two weeks, reach out again by phone;
- Maintain regular communication and try to at least make minimum payments;
- Maintain records of your contact with creditors to document any agreements made between you and your financial institution.
Rent and Mortgage
Rental and mortgage assistance is generally limited and difficult to access. Few counties provide resources to those struggling to pay rent, and usually it’s contingent on applicants facing eviction. Please reach out to your county housing authority, or use the search tools above to find all available local resources.
Denver County
The City and County of Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program (TRUA) is a good resource for Denver residents struggling to pay rent or utilities. This resource is available to households that meet the income limits (earning $50,350 or less for one person, or $71,900 or less for a household of four). To access TRUA, call 3-1-1 and press 6. You will be referred to a local nonprofit that will assist you in determining your eligibility and preparing your application.
Adams County
The Adams County Housing Authority has rental assistance programs and can be reached at 303-227-2075.
Arapahoe County
The Arapahoe County Housing Assistance Program can connect tenants to rental assistance programs and offer referrals to community resources. For more information contact Benjamin Nichols, Housing Specialist, at 303-738-8061 or bnichols@arapahoegov.com.
El Paso County
This is a list of resources found around rent/paying bills assistance in El Paso County.
Pueblo County
This is a list of resources that would offer rent/paying bills assistance in Pueblo County.
Loans
Sometimes taking out loans is necessary to cover emergency expenses. In the event that you need to take out a loan, you should avoid payday loans that charge high interest and fees. Many credit unions offer small personal loans or salary advance loans at reasonable interest rates.
Borrowing Against Your 401k
Another option you may have is to take out a loan against your 401k. Kaiser workers’ 401ks are managed by Vanguard, which allows workers to take out a loan (minimum of $1,000) against their retirement plan and pay it back through deductions to their future paychecks. Funds are usually dispersed within 2-3 days.
Pros of borrowing against your 401k
- Interest is paid to yourself
- You don’t pay taxes on the loan
- Good for emergencies
Cons to borrowing against your 401k
- $40 application fee
- $25 maintenance fee per year
- Loss of potential investment income
- If you stop working or fail to make payments the loan may become a withdrawal on which you would owe taxes and penalties
- Interest on the loan is not tax deductible
Vanguard’s Retirement Plan Loan Calculator can help you calculate the cost of taking out a loan against your 401k.
To borrow against your 401k you can:
- Call Vanguard at 800-523-1188 or;
- Register and make an account on Vanguard.com;
- Go to “Manage My Money” and select “General Purpose Loans” from the loan options
- Select the terms of the loan
