Kaiser Management Outrages Workers with Unacceptable Bargaining Proposals

During the latest bargaining session with Kaiser management, tensions reached a new high. The session, which was the eighth thus far, left union members feeling outraged. Below is a detailed summary of the events that transpired, highlighting the significance of signing the Strike Authorization Petition.

Union members had entered the session with hopes of engaging in meaningful discussions on crucial topics such as workload, staffing issues, and patient management time. However, Kaiser management proposed a limited discussion format involving only two union members and two managers for four hours on patient management time. When the union insisted that all members needed to participate in such an important discussion, management responded that they would "consider it."

The morning session saw no proposals from management, while the union presented revised proposals on Professional Practice Committees and Preceptors. In the afternoon, the union offered further revised proposals on Associates, New Technology, and Status Definitions, and agreed to management's earlier proposal on Leaves of Absence.

In a surprising move, management introduced a new proposal on Professional Hours, which would eliminate professional time for employees working less than thirty-two hours per week. Additionally, the proposal required all employees to obtain management approval for any partial day absence, effectively reducing professional time.

Management further compounded the issue by linking this proposal with their diluted proposal on flexible work schedules. Essentially, they indicated that they would not consider more liberal flexible or hybrid schedules unless the union agreed to the changes in professional time.

After presenting this package proposal, management inquired if the union had any further contributions. Upon hearing "no," the chief spokesperson concluded the session with "I guess we're done," and the management team exited the room. Later, management sent a "Complete Economic Package" via email, which mirrored their earlier wage rate proposals for a four-year contract of 4%, 3%, 3%, and 3%. Their response to the union's economic proposals was a resounding "NO!"

• NO to increasing bilingual differential to match colleagues in NorCal
• NO to adding Juneteenth as a holiday
• NO to improving dental coverage
• NO to reducing co-pays for medical coverage
• NO to improving standby pay to match other professionals
• NO to offering the same retiree health benefits as other unionized employees
• NO to making RNs eligible for the Student Loan repayment program
• NO to improvements in Educational Leave and Bereavement Leave

The only area left open for discussion was Retirement Benefits, with management indicating they were "still considering" it. However, the union expressed skepticism, believing that management was unlikely to restore the defined benefit pension for all employees.

Management also provided counter-proposals on incentive plan metrics, which the union is currently reviewing. Initial impressions suggest that these metrics, which include patient wait time and documentation standards for Social Medicine, and booking into PMT and meeting times for psychiatry, could serve as disguised productivity standards.

Are we ready to fight?!

Management's actions at the bargaining table suggest they doubt the union's readiness for an open-ended strike. The union is calling for solidarity, urging members to show Kaiser that they stand united in their demands for professional treatment, manageable workloads, equitable benefits, and fair wage increases.

Future bargaining sessions

Additional bargaining sessions are scheduled for September 23rd, 24th, and 30th. Members wishing to show support by attending these sessions can sign up here.

Member Resources

Members can find updates on bargaining and campaigns, as well as resources, guides, and materials to prepare for a strike or start a private practice, secure temporary work, and build a hardship fund on the NUHW Kaiser Member Resources Website.