There might be a reason in past history for this event as back in March of 2009 860 Health IT positions were abolished so got us once but maybe not twice? This lay 
off was done in 2009 though when recovery efforts were still in the dog house after the 2008 crash and everyone was cutting corners where they could. In addition the health IT field has taken off tremendously since that time so there is a needs for more in this field. Also, some of those who were laid off back then were able to get jobs at IBM who was going to take over some of the IT functions at that time.
Kaiser to cut 860 Health IT positions
If you ever see the job openings for Kaiser it’s like about 75% tech on their openings, and a big majority at the Oakland headquarters. There is a move in California for more employees to organize and I am guessing this is driven partially by current day working environments and goodness knows we have had demonstrations this last couple of years all over the US. Recently the nurses marched on Wall Street, but funny it didn’t get much news coverage. BD
Nurses Demonstrate on Wall Street Discussing Wages, Working Conditions - Addressing the Sad State of Healthcare Created by Financial Greed (Video)
LOS ANGELES -- A group of 500 information technology professionals at Kaiser facilities across California overwhelmingly said “yes” to join Service Employees International Union, United Healthcare Workers – West (SEIU-UHW) on Thurs., June 30, to ensure quality jobs in our community, and reliable technology services at Kaiser.
“One of our main concerns is making sure we keep committed, experienced tech professionals at Kaiser. Our patients depend on us to keep their data safe, and our coworkers depend on us to keep their computers and technology working,” said Maria Escalante, a senior desktop analyst at Kaiser South Bay. “Now we can focus on working with management in partnership to solve problems on the job.”
The election, certified Thursday afternoon by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), was conducted by a “card check” or sign-up. 57 percent of employees signed cards stating they wish to be represented by the union.
Information technology workers at Kaiser will now join 45,000 of their coworkers to prepare for contract negotiations in 2012 by conducting surveys to determine top priorities such as workload, quality of services and working more closely with management to solve problems on the job.
A group of 500 information technology professionals at Kaiser facilities across California overwhelmingly said “yes” to join Service Employees International Union, United Healthcare Workers – West (SEIU-UHW) on Thurs., June 30, to ensure quality jobs in our community, and reliable technology services at Kaiser.
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