Kaiser Permanente strike averted–for now

The guild representing 1,400 pharmacists employed by Kaiser Permanente in Southern California cancelled a strike that was scheduled for Monday.

Robin Borden, president of The Guild for Professional Pharmacists, said negotiations between the two sides would continue until at least June 2.

“We’re pleased to announce that [the guild] has cancelled a work stoppage that was scheduled to begin Monday, May 19, 2014,” Kaiser Permanente said statement. “We remain in contract negotiations with The Guild and hope to reach an agreement soon.”

The pharmacists are demanding that Kaiser Permanente restore pensions taken away three years ago. They also want healthcare benefits for part-time employees and more time to fill prescriptions.

According to published reports, several negotiation sessions were held in the days prior to Monday’s threatened strike.