Kaiser Permanente is outsourcing its landscaping operations in Northern California, according to an article on the Daily Republic website.
Union officials describe the move as layoffs, but the company characterizes as a reorganization that will enhance efficiency and does not necessarily mean those affected will lose jobs.
The company announced that it will eliminate approximately 60 full-time gardening jobs at several facilities across Northern California.
Under the plan, the gardeners would lose their jobs as soon as May 11 and an outside company would oversee an entirely new workforce that is paid less and receives fewer benefits than current Kaiser employees, according to a union press release.
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