Kindred Santa Cruz Workers Secure New Contract with 18% Wage Increases

Kindred Santa Cruz Workers Achieve New Contract with Wage Increases

In a remarkable display of unity, Kindred Santa Cruz employees recently secured a new contract following a unanimous ratification. This achievement comes shortly after the workers accomplished full participation in an informational picket line.

The newly agreed-upon four-year contract offers wage increases of up to 18 percent for approximately 25 occupational, physical, and speech therapists employed by Kindred. These professionals provide care at the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center of Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

Having secured their first contract a few years prior, the workers ensured a stronger and more diverse negotiating team this time, which proved successful.

"This is an improvement over our last contract," stated pediatric physical therapist Lilly Sell, who was part of the negotiating team for both contract campaigns. "We managed to secure a four-year contract with 4 percent raises each year and a bit more for our per diem workers. Many of our regular staff had to find work elsewhere, and this will help."

Sell noted that negotiations began slowly in February, with infrequent meetings. However, progress accelerated following an after-work informational picket held by the workers in mid-September.

"Once we did that, it seemed they met with us more regularly and were more willing to offer more in negotiations," she said.

The agreement, set to expire in 2028, includes wage increases of 16 percent for full-time and part-time workers over the next four years, with an 18 percent increase for per diem employees, who make up a significant portion of the workforce. Additionally, workers will earn an extra day of paid time off each year and see a $50 annual increase in their medical savings account.

Sell described the contract as a "step up from what we did three years ago" and a significant change from the years before joining the union, when annual raises were just one percent.

"Since joining NUHW, it's been beneficial for the therapists," Sell expressed. "I'm happy with the union."

The original article can be viewed here.

For more information, visit NUHW.

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