Over 70,000 healthcare employees are participating in the Kaiser Permanente workers' strike in San Francisco seeking increased staffing levels and prioritized patient care.
HFIAW Local 16 San Francisco Organizer Aureliano Ochoa joined the picket line with his youngest daughter, Valeria, age 3. This nice family moment emphasized Local 16's commitment to workers' rights and the labor movement. 
The historic strike
The Kaiser strike is a testament to the dedication of healthcare workers determined to fight for patient rights.
President Biden recognized the gravity of the situation and directly called the CEO of Kaiser to emphasize the importance of listening to the workers' requests and quickly resolve the contract negotiations. Before Biden's term, it was rare for a president to intervene in labor disputes. The president's actions have served as a powerful symbol of support for the labor movement.
Building Trades support
The various trade unions that make up the San Francisco Building Trades recognized the significance of the Kaiser workers' strike and asked all affiliated Local Unions to support the striking Kaiser workers.
When the San Francisco Building Trades called for support, Local 16's Organizer Ochoa, along with other union members responded. Bringing his daughter to the picket was intended to be a symbol of the union's 
commitment to workers' rights and educating the younger generation about labor history, he said.
Ochoa's personal story also highlights the positive impact of union support on working-class families. Before his family was unionized, they faced economic challenges, but through their involvement with the union, their life improved, including home ownership, healthcare coverage and an overall better quality of life.
"Remember, the middle class built America, but unions built the middle class," Ochoa said.
The Kaiser workers' strike demonstrates the power of collective action and solidarity among unions. Local 16 is proud to be "Union Strong" and support other union's efforts and advocate for workers' rights and improved living standards.