Kaiser Permanente workers to protest at City Council meeting

Kaiser Permanente workers at a protest in February. Photo by Alex Dominguez

DOWNEY -- Dozens of healthcare workers plan to picket tonight's Downey City Council meeting as part of their continued protest with Kaiser Permanente. 

According to representatives of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, Kaiser Permanente plans to eliminate 61 local jobs as soon as May 23. 

Kaiser workers staged a public protest outside the Downey hospital in February but are now asking the City Council to get involved. 

"Kaiser Permanente is more profitable than ever and yet they want to kick us and our families to the curb," said Steve Allman, a 16-year Kaiser Permanente employee. He says his job at the Downey warehouse may be eliminated. 

"I have four family members who rely on my paycheck and I'm not sure how we're going to get by if I lose my job," he said. 

In a news release, the union urged Downey council members to "intervene and save the positions." 

Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.