National Bargaining Progresses While Local Tables Lag
We continued to make strides at National Bargaining this week as we dig into tougher issues. Kaiser Permanente made a counteroffer to our initial wage increase proposal in addition to other parts of our Alliance economic package. Meanwhile, the three subgroups presented draft reports on their progress including some recommendations that will continue to be refined and finalized in August.
In contrast, the pace at the local bargaining tables has been frustrating. Management is not engaging in productive talks, in many places, management hasn’t engaged in meaningful discussions around interests. This is unacceptable; Alliance union leaders shared their experiences with KP senior leaders.
KP acknowledged that many local tables are stuck. They said they met with their negotiators to get bargaining back on track and are committed to returning to an interest- based approach.
Read on for more details on where things stand and what’s next.
Economics
Kaiser countered our initial across-the-board wage proposal with what they called their highest first offer ever put forward. They said it reflected their respect for our partnership and a commitment to getting the contract done on time. This is a testament to our Alliance members showing up in support of our contract.
However, we are still far apart. On Friday, July 18, we countered their counterproposal. We will only settle for wage increases that we believe Alliance members deserve. We need to catch up on the last two years of skyrocketing inflation and a job market in demand for healthcare workers. We’re staying firm in the pursuit of the best wages, not just fair wages.
KP Initial Counter Proposal |
Alliance Counter Proposal |
10/1/2025: 5% |
10/1/2025:15% |
10/1/2026: 5% |
10/1/2026: 8% |
10/1/2027: 4% |
10/1/2027: 4% |
10/1/2028: 4% |
10/1/2028: 4% |
Alliance Union leaders continue to push on your behalf for:
» Ensuring KP work remains union work
» Job security through insourcing
» Protecting our retirement
» Investing in Alliance member education
» Contract alignment
Staffing and Patient Care
In the Staffing and Patient Care sub-group, the Alliance continued to advocate for safe staffing for providing quality care and ensuring work/life balance. This week we proposed adding more accountability to our staffing contract language to ensure it is consistently applied across KP.
Proposals include:
» joint staffing assessments
» annual training for staffing committees and
» creating clear processes to address staffing issues across all regions
“Proper staffing is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. We’re fighting to ensure every patient gets the care they deserve, and every worker has the support they need to deliver that care.”
— Erika Tapia, UNAC/UHCP Nursing Professional Practice Manager/CIC member
Partnership Effectiveness
In the Partnership Effectiveness sub-group, we focused on improving accountability and ensuring UBT members get timely training in partnership skills.
We are also driving plans to measure the effectiveness of partnership above the unit-based team level and to ensure that the partnership is more than just promises, but drives real, measurable change in our daily work.
Draft recommendations include:
» More support for UBT meetings and sponsorship
» Measuring the effectiveness of LMP education and training
» Operationalizing Just Culture across KP to ensure accountability and fairness are prioritized, and workers can freely speak up
“We’re not just negotiating words; we’re fighting for a partnership that works in practice, ensuring our members are empowered and our agreement is fully implemented to improve care for all.”
— Shamika Romanak, UFCW 324, Partnership Effectiveness Co-lead
AI and Technology
As KP continues to adopt AI, it’s essential that Alliance unions play a central role from the very beginning. We want to ensure that AI improves care without sacrificing jobs or quality. At this session we focused on the core issue of including labor in decision making, implementation, and evaluation of AI and technology at KP.
“AI will change healthcare. The question is whether we ensure it’s better for patients and workers. Alliance Unions will be at the table from the start, making sure that AI and technology serves workers and patients, not the other way around.”
— Dolores Hunsaker, Interim Vice President USW Local 7600
TUNE IN: AUGUST 7 & 8 NATIONAL BARGAINING VIRTUAL TOWN HALLS
Join us at the next CAT National Bargaining Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, August 7, at 8:30 PM or Friday, August 8, at 10 AM.
ALLIANCE KEY INTERESTS
To learn about our Alliance 2025 Key Interests, download the flyer and share it with your coworkers.