Nearly 2,400 mental health workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities went on strike Monday amid contract talks and allegations of a "broken" system of care, while Kaiser officials say the union has been "slow walking" the negotiation process and planned to strike before labor talks even began.

The National Union of Healthcare Workers said nearly 2,400 mental health workers launched the job action after Kaiser Permanente management turned down their proposals.

Thousands of Kaiser Permanente mental health workers in Southern California are set to strike starting Monday, Oct. 21, after the union and Kaiser management did not reach an agreement. Daily picket lines and rallies will be held outside Kaiser facilities in Los Angeles,