Kaiser Bargaining Stalemate: Union Threatens Strike Over Key Issues

Kaiser Negotiations Stall as Union Presses for Changes

In a recent bargaining session, Kaiser representatives reportedly arrived without new proposals, choosing instead to criticize union demands as unrealistic. When pressed for their definition of "real," Kaiser suggested a proposal similar to previous offers deemed unacceptable by the union. The company argued that current contract terms, in place for over a decade, are satisfactory.

Union leaders countered by highlighting significant changes over the past ten years, pointing out that Kaiser has faced fines and corrective actions from the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) twice. Additionally, new legislation now penalizes long patient wait times, and the ongoing mental health crisis exacerbates the situation.

• Kaiser has been fined twice by the DMHC.
• New laws penalize extended patient wait times.
• A mental health crisis is ongoing.
• High clinician turnover due to poor working conditions.
• Need for competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain staff.
• Wage proposals seek parity with previous union agreements and wage equity adjustments.
• Union members are unified and prepared to strike over key issues like staffing and pensions.

The union emphasized the urgency, with less than two weeks remaining to reach an agreement before a potential strike. During the session, Kaiser inquired about the union's proposals on workload and patient management time, but the union speculated these questions were aimed at shaping a public narrative rather than negotiating in good faith.

Upon returning from a caucus, Kaiser presented a non-economic "package" deal addressing nine issues. This proposal included maintaining current contract terms for six items, minor modifications for two, and one change the union would consider if it wasn't tied to the entire package. Kaiser also proposed slight changes to incentive metrics for Psychiatry and Social Medicine, contingent on accepting challenging metrics for Care at Home.

The union plans to address these proposals and push for economic discussions in the next meeting.

Join the Bargaining Efforts

Union members are encouraged to sign up here to participate in upcoming bargaining sessions scheduled for tomorrow, October 15, and October 17.

Prepare for the Strike

Those interested in supporting the strike, set to begin on October 21, can sign up here for picket shifts.

Upcoming Town Hall Meeting

The union will host a town hall meeting via Zoom this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to provide a detailed bargaining update, discuss strike logistics, and engage in a Q&A session.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85439524510

Meeting ID: 854 3952 4510

Participants will enter a waiting room upon joining. To expedite admission, please identify yourself by name on your device or in the Mobilize app. Remember to mute your device unless called upon.

We look forward to your participation on Sunday.

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