Kaiser Permanente Workers Protest AI Use Over Job Loss and Patient Care Concerns
Kaiser Permanente, California's largest private employer, is facing opposition from its workers, particularly behavioral health professionals, over the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The National Union of Healthcare Workers, representing Kaiser employees, is advocating for protections against AI, arguing that while it can reduce paperwork, it may also lead to job losses and negatively impact patient care. Kaiser Permanente asserts that AI can help doctors focus more on patient care by taking over tedious tasks. However, nearly half of Kaiser’s behavioral health workers in Northern California express discomfort with AI tools. The union is using picket lines and hunger strikes to push for responsible AI use. 
