Radiology Town Hall on April 27 at 7 PM ET
Calling KP members! Join OPEIU Local 2 staff and shop stewards for a discussion related to the KP radiology department on Wednesday, April 27 from 7 - 8 PM ET. You can find the Zoom link and call-in information by clicking here.
Workers Deserve Full Profit-Sharing Bonus following Delta and Omicron Surges
February 2, 2022
Release: We Give Our All. We deserve a full PSP.
We give our all to provide quality, compassionate patient care. We come to work despite mental and physical exhaustion. We cover shifts when staffing is short. We sacrifice our own health and safety to serve our communities.
Coalition union leaders have called on Kaiser to recognize our commitment and sacrifices made during this pandemic by providing all Coalition union members with a full PSP payout. We ask Kaiser to follow widely accepted public health principles– not scrutinize and penalize caregivers about attendance during the Delta and Omicron surges.
Kaiser has made billions, and executive pay has soared during this pandemic. Yet, Kaiser management may use regional “financial gate” metrics as an excuse to withhold PSP payouts. It is rumored that only Coalition union members in Northern California are in line for the full PSP payout– even though union members in every region gave their all this past year and deserve full credit for it.
Right now, Kaiser management has an opportunity to show how much they value their frontline workers. We ask them to make the most of it and continue showing it as we approach our 2023 National Agreement negotiations.
Release: We Give Our All. We deserve a full PSP.
We give our all to provide quality, compassionate patient care. We come to work despite mental and physical exhaustion. We cover shifts when staffing is short. We sacrifice our own health and safety to serve our communities.
Coalition union leaders have called on Kaiser to recognize our commitment and sacrifices made during this pandemic by providing all Coalition union members with a full PSP payout. We ask Kaiser to follow widely accepted public health principles– not scrutinize and penalize caregivers about attendance during the Delta and Omicron surges.
Kaiser has made billions, and executive pay has soared during this pandemic. Yet, Kaiser management may use regional “financial gate” metrics as an excuse to withhold PSP payouts. It is rumored that only Coalition union members in Northern California are in line for the full PSP payout– even though union members in every region gave their all this past year and deserve full credit for it.
Right now, Kaiser management has an opportunity to show how much they value their frontline workers. We ask them to make the most of it and continue showing it as we approach our 2023 National Agreement negotiations.
KP Collective Bargaining Agreement 2019-2023.
| 2019-2023_kp_national_agtreement.pdf |
KP Workers Are Standing in Solidarity Today!
Kaiser breaks off negotiations with Local 39-- Thursday's solidarity actions still on!
A message from Coalition of KP Union's Steven Ward:
Wednesday night talks broke down again between Kaiser and the Local 39 Engineers. Local 39 reports Kaiser was only in the room for 20 minutes during seven hours of negotiations. Disrespectfully, Kaiser offered Local 39 lower wage increases than they just agreed to with the Alliance unions and less than the 3% a year we have in our own contract. Kaiser continues to push for changes to work rules that would undermine the working conditions of the engineers. After all that Kaiser has put workers through during this pandemic, this is unacceptable.
We cannot allow Kaiser’s behavior to go unchecked. We will continue with our actions as planned. Thursday, wear your stickers to show you are in support of striking workers, including 40,000+ Coalition union members who will be sympathy striking with the Local 39 engineers. We need to show Kaiser what solidarity looks like: when you take on one of us, you take on all of us!
A message from Coalition of KP Union's Steven Ward:
Wednesday night talks broke down again between Kaiser and the Local 39 Engineers. Local 39 reports Kaiser was only in the room for 20 minutes during seven hours of negotiations. Disrespectfully, Kaiser offered Local 39 lower wage increases than they just agreed to with the Alliance unions and less than the 3% a year we have in our own contract. Kaiser continues to push for changes to work rules that would undermine the working conditions of the engineers. After all that Kaiser has put workers through during this pandemic, this is unacceptable.
We cannot allow Kaiser’s behavior to go unchecked. We will continue with our actions as planned. Thursday, wear your stickers to show you are in support of striking workers, including 40,000+ Coalition union members who will be sympathy striking with the Local 39 engineers. We need to show Kaiser what solidarity looks like: when you take on one of us, you take on all of us!
Alliance Unions Reach Tentative Agreement, While Local 2 Members Continue to Prepare for November 18 Actions
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We are happy to hear the Alliance unions have just settled an agreement with Kaiser without a divisive two-tier system. We are proud of every single union member who took action to stop this attack on workers and patient care and bring about this victory, yet our work continues.
Their sympathy strike is now off, but 40,000 SEIU-UHW, OPEIU 29, and IFPTE 20 members in Northern California will still sympathy strike on November 18th in support of 700+ KP engineers who have been on strike for over eight weeks. It is past time for Kaiser to settle fair contracts that respect and reward all frontline workers, and the Coalition is prepared to stand in solidarity until they do so. Alliance members are currently engaged in their internal approval process, and we will share more details on the agreement as they become available. In the meantime, please continue preparing for our solidarity sticker action on November 18th! |
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Local 2 Members Plan to Show Solidarity with Their Union Siblings on Strike
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November 9 - Local 2 members at Kaiser Permanente are standing in solidarity with their unions siblings on the West Coast who are striking over the organization's continued prioritization of profits over patients. While our 40,000 Coalition Union siblings strike on November 18, Mid-Atlantic union members will be stickering up in solidarity.
We will not stand to see KP push low wages for new hires and continue to ignore short staffing in centers! These policies are bad for workers AND bad for patients. Folks, keep you eyes peeled for stickers toward the middle of next week! |
Register Now: KP Lab Employees Webinar: Monday, May 3 at 7
Join us on Monday, May 3 at 7 PM ET for a Kaiser Permanente Lab employees webinar. Register by clicking the button below!
KP Improvement Surveys - Share Your Thoughts Now!
FEBRUARY 22, 2021 - COVID-19 has drastically changed the way that we as Kaiser Permanente staff work and live. There have been many changes over the last year, and it's important that KP staff's voices are prioritized throughout these changes. KP STAFF - Please fill out the surveys below to determine priority issues in the workplace.
Surveys for ALL STAFF
1. Lunch Hour - Help us assess the impact of changes that HR Connect has brought on your ability to take a 1 hour long lunch.
FILL OUT THE LUNCH HOUR SURVEY HERE (click link).
2. Working Conditions - Please fill out this survey to enable shop stewards to relay your thoughts and ideas about your working conditions, clearly and effectively to the KP Leadership.
FILL OUT THE WORKING CONDITIONS SURVEY HERE (click link).
Surveys for Pharmacy Staff
1. Working Conditions - Please fill out this survey to enable shop stewards to relay your thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively to the pharmacy management leadership.
FILL OUT THE PHARMACY WORKING CONDITIONS SURVEY HERE (click link).
2. On Call Usage - Share how frequently on-calls are being utilized in the pharmacy and how that impacts you.
FILL OUT THE ON CALL USAGE SURVEY HERE (click link).
Surveys for ALL STAFF
1. Lunch Hour - Help us assess the impact of changes that HR Connect has brought on your ability to take a 1 hour long lunch.
FILL OUT THE LUNCH HOUR SURVEY HERE (click link).
2. Working Conditions - Please fill out this survey to enable shop stewards to relay your thoughts and ideas about your working conditions, clearly and effectively to the KP Leadership.
FILL OUT THE WORKING CONDITIONS SURVEY HERE (click link).
Surveys for Pharmacy Staff
1. Working Conditions - Please fill out this survey to enable shop stewards to relay your thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively to the pharmacy management leadership.
FILL OUT THE PHARMACY WORKING CONDITIONS SURVEY HERE (click link).
2. On Call Usage - Share how frequently on-calls are being utilized in the pharmacy and how that impacts you.
FILL OUT THE ON CALL USAGE SURVEY HERE (click link).
VICTORY! KP Staff Win the Heroes Bonus After Months-Long Campaign
Kaiser has announced that they are agreeing to staff's demand for a Hero Bonus for all 85,000 members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions across the country! In recent months we have been mobilizing through our unions and speaking out powerfully in our workplaces, in the press and on social media for the Hero Bonus. We talked about how we have been risking our lives and the lives of our families during the pandemic to provide quality, compassionate care to our patients, and we’ve earned this bonus.
All our activism has been successful. Kaiser has stated that they will pay out our PSP bonus as though we have achieved at least 100% performance of all our PSP goals, for all members. This means we will not have to meet attendance or other performance goals or reach a financial gate to get our full PSP. Unlike previous years, every member will get the full payout in recognition of our work through the pandemic.
In another major win, Kaiser also said they are extending our COVID-19 paid leave benefits through March 31 and our childcare grants through April 3. The bonus and extended benefits will help retain staff for safe, quality care.
We want to acknowledge Kaiser for doing the right thing by recognizing our courage, commitment, hard work and sacrifices. Kaiser is once again leading the way with what is likely the largest such bonus in the entire U.S. healthcare industry, and we hope our victory is precedent-setting for other workers.
All our activism has been successful. Kaiser has stated that they will pay out our PSP bonus as though we have achieved at least 100% performance of all our PSP goals, for all members. This means we will not have to meet attendance or other performance goals or reach a financial gate to get our full PSP. Unlike previous years, every member will get the full payout in recognition of our work through the pandemic.
In another major win, Kaiser also said they are extending our COVID-19 paid leave benefits through March 31 and our childcare grants through April 3. The bonus and extended benefits will help retain staff for safe, quality care.
We want to acknowledge Kaiser for doing the right thing by recognizing our courage, commitment, hard work and sacrifices. Kaiser is once again leading the way with what is likely the largest such bonus in the entire U.S. healthcare industry, and we hope our victory is precedent-setting for other workers.
KP Staff Hold National Day of Action in Memory of Colleagues Who Have Passed to COVID, Highlighting Need for Heroes Bonus
December 10 was a very exciting and successful day as we honored Kaiser workers across the country and called for the Hero Bonus! We created a powerful video featuring worker actions throughout the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions. Please like and share this video with all your coworkers, friends and family today so we can spread the word:
https://www.facebook.com/unioncoalition/posts/2469126280061551
Over the past few months, Kaiser workers have spoken out in our workplaces, on social media and in the press about the urgent need for a Hero Bonus to recognize and retain staff for quality patient care. We all need to continue our active participation in our union campaign to let management know we are united and determined to win. To get active, contact Kelly Russo at [email protected], and we will be sending you more action updates soon.
https://www.facebook.com/unioncoalition/posts/2469126280061551
Over the past few months, Kaiser workers have spoken out in our workplaces, on social media and in the press about the urgent need for a Hero Bonus to recognize and retain staff for quality patient care. We all need to continue our active participation in our union campaign to let management know we are united and determined to win. To get active, contact Kelly Russo at [email protected], and we will be sending you more action updates soon.
Associated Press Highlights Staff's Campaign for a Heroes Bonus, Quoting Our Very Own Shanequa Green
The Associated Press highlights KP Staff's fight for a Heroes Bonus to recognize the essential and dangerous work that KP workers carry out each day, quoting Alexandria Medical Center Shop Steward Shanequa Green. Since September, staff have been imploring Kaiser executives to share in their record-breaking multi-billion dollar profits to recognize the hard work of staff on the front lines. Staff are asking for a 3% bonus to recognize their hard work and to retain skilled employees who have been put through the ringer over the course of the pandemic. Read the full article here.
"'I treat up to 25 children a day, and always try to put myself in their shoes to make sure they feel calm, comfortable and welcome,' said Shanequa Green, a pediatric clinical assistant at Alexandria Kaiser Center in Virginia and a member of OPEIU Local 2. 'As healthcare workers we took an oath to serve and care for our patients and communities. But we’re wrestling with our own fears and anxieties about the virus. I have four kids at home, and all of them are at high risk because of health issues. Recently a young coworker died of COVID, and Kaiser didn’t have any sort of memorial or acknowledgement of her decade of service. Many executives are sitting safely behind a computer, while we’re putting our lives on the line every day caring for patients. Because of our commitment, Kaiser has been able to have massive growth and financial success. We urgently need Kaiser to recognize the sacrifices and hardships our families have endured.'”
"'I treat up to 25 children a day, and always try to put myself in their shoes to make sure they feel calm, comfortable and welcome,' said Shanequa Green, a pediatric clinical assistant at Alexandria Kaiser Center in Virginia and a member of OPEIU Local 2. 'As healthcare workers we took an oath to serve and care for our patients and communities. But we’re wrestling with our own fears and anxieties about the virus. I have four kids at home, and all of them are at high risk because of health issues. Recently a young coworker died of COVID, and Kaiser didn’t have any sort of memorial or acknowledgement of her decade of service. Many executives are sitting safely behind a computer, while we’re putting our lives on the line every day caring for patients. Because of our commitment, Kaiser has been able to have massive growth and financial success. We urgently need Kaiser to recognize the sacrifices and hardships our families have endured.'”
KP Staff "Button Up" for Their Heroes Bonus!
Over 1500 Local 2 Members Sign Petition for Heroes Bonus, Hand Delivered to Regional Leadership
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Throughout the month of October, KP Heroes Bonus campaign leaders asked staff to hand-sign individual petition pledge cards to show the gravity of staff's demands. On October 29, 2020, staff hand-delivered a petition with over 1,500 signatures to regional management located at Tyson's Corner Medical Center.
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Kaiser Workers Deserve a Heroes Bonus! Remote-Working KP Staff, Sign Your Support Below
Kaiser Permanente staff across the country are calling on management to recognize their tireless work with a bonus that shares in leadership's record profits made during the pandemic - profits that totaled $4.5 billion in the first quarter. Working from home but want to show your support? Kaiser staff, sign your commitment to speak out in support of the Heroes Bonus via your electronic pledge card here.
"It's time for Kaiser to recognize our commitment"
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“As Kaiser healthcare workers, we do our jobs with our whole hearts because we’re dedicated to the mission of caring for our communities. In the lab, we’re on the front lines of our country’s battle with the pandemic, processing COVID samples. It’s been extremely stressful because I’ve known many co-workers who have been infected by the virus. I’m a very family-oriented person, but have had to self-isolate from my family members with whom I’m close, because I don’t want to put them at any risk. We’ve worked tirelessly since this crisis began, enabling Kaiser to do very well financially, and now it’s time for them to recognize our commitment with the Hero Bonus. Ultimately, that will help retain staff so our patients can keep getting safe, quality care moving forward.”
-Tiffany Powell, Medical Laboratory Assistant OPEIU Local 2 member Kaiser Permanente Kensington Medical Center in Maryland 13 years of service |
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Kaiser Permanente Staff Seek 'Hero Bonus' for 85,000 Coalition Members
A new article highlights the recent "hero bonus" campaign launched by union members in the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, quoting Tiffany Powell - a Local 2 shop steward at Kensington Medical Center - on why workers deserve recognition for their frontline work throughout the pandemic, often at risk to their own lives. Read the full article here.
Coalition Successfully Negotiates Reinstatement of Childcare Benefit
Local 2 August 24 - After weeks of negotiations, the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions (of which OPEIU is a member) successfully negotiated for the reinstatement of the childcare benefit, effective August 17 through December 19, 2020. The childcare benefit, originally set to expire in June 2020, has supported over 21,000 Coalition households as workers fight on the frontline of the pandemic.
Local 2 Donates PPE to Kaiser Workers During COVID-19 Crisis
Local 2 1st Vice President Michael Spiller presents our Kaiser Permanente members at the South Baltimore Medical Center with 1,500 masks, 3,000 gloves and disinfectant wipes, alongside the Baltimore Metropolitan Council President Jermaine Jones and Tommy McLaughline (CSA). Thank you to our members for the work they do to keep us safe every day!
OPEIU Local 2 President Linda Bridges said, “We are truly grateful to the Baltimore Labor Council and the Community Services Agency. Everyday union members come to work and put their own lives on the line in this environment. Something as simple as a mask or a pair of gloves can make a huge difference.”
“It is not just protecting their health, it protects their families,” she said. “Today, Labor came to the table and told them we care. Thank you to all our sisters and brothers who made this happen.”
Read more in a recent blog from the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions.
OPEIU Local 2 President Linda Bridges said, “We are truly grateful to the Baltimore Labor Council and the Community Services Agency. Everyday union members come to work and put their own lives on the line in this environment. Something as simple as a mask or a pair of gloves can make a huge difference.”
“It is not just protecting their health, it protects their families,” she said. “Today, Labor came to the table and told them we care. Thank you to all our sisters and brothers who made this happen.”
Read more in a recent blog from the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions.
New Agreement Provides Needed Relief for Healthcare Workers Treating COVID-19 Patients
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A new agreement between the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions and Kaiser will ease major burdens for healthcare workers treating a growing number of COVID-19 patients.
If you want to request these benefits, contact Kaiser's "Here 4 You" call center at 1-877-457-4772 or [email protected]. |
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Update from Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions on COVID-19 Response
Hello everyone--below is an update from the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions on how we're working with Kaiser to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. We are working day and night on this. You can stay updated by checking the Coalition's dedicated page for coronavirus information and Kaiser updates here.
Kaiser Members: Join Our Tele-Town Hall
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions has just gotten word that Kaiser Permanente is denying our members their hard earned bonuses. What's happening, why, and how can Kaiser workers fight for their earned Rewards 4 Results bonuses? Tune in to our tele-town hall this Wednesday at 7 PM to learn more. Register below.
Sign our petition to Kaiser Permanente!
STRIKE IS CALLED OFF!
Our bargaining team has settled a tentative agreement with Kaiser Permanente
Our bargaining team has settled a tentative agreement with Kaiser Permanente
Agreements
Forms
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News
September 27, 2019
The Kaiser strike was averted thanks to the tremendous efforts of KP union members and others across the nation. News outlets are picking up the story--read about it below!
Kaiser Permanente, unions tentatively avert strike (scroll down to view)
Axios
Sept. 26, 2019
Strike Threat 'Withdrawn' as Kaiser Permanente, Unions Reach Tentative Deal
Medscape
Sept. 26, 2019
Article includes quotes from Rekha Radhakrishnan
Kaiser Permanente, unions reach tentative contract agreement as planned strike is canceled
Healthcare Finance
Sept. 26, 2019
KaiserPerm & Coalition of Unions Reach Tentative Agreement: Oct.14 Strike Averted Pending Vote
Daily Kos
Sept. 25, 2019
Kaiser Permanente, unions tentatively avert strike (scroll down to view)
Axios
Sept. 26, 2019
Strike Threat 'Withdrawn' as Kaiser Permanente, Unions Reach Tentative Deal
Medscape
Sept. 26, 2019
Article includes quotes from Rekha Radhakrishnan
Kaiser Permanente, unions reach tentative contract agreement as planned strike is canceled
Healthcare Finance
Sept. 26, 2019
KaiserPerm & Coalition of Unions Reach Tentative Agreement: Oct.14 Strike Averted Pending Vote
Daily Kos
Sept. 25, 2019
September 25, 2019
It's been a bitter battle, but...we have finally settled a tentative agreement with Kaiser! THE STRIKE IS CALLED OFF!
An important message from Linda:
Early this morning 83,000 healthcare workers nationwide reached a tentative contract settlement with Kaiser Permanente. The historic agreement revitalizes the long-standing worker-management partnership, protects good, middle class jobs, bans subcontracting and strengthens protections against outsourcing, and establishes a $130 million workforce development program. This is a huge win for workers, patients, and our communities. We still have to lock it in - ratification begins on Oct. 1 - but for now, let’s celebrate the incredible solidarity and hard work that produced this agreement!
Our Four-Year Tentative Agreement:
1. Protects good, middle class jobs with . . .
Strong across-the-board raises - 3% for 2019, raises of 2% + 1% lump sum bonus for each of the next three years. Plus, the 1% lump sum bonus can be converted to an additional 1% base - raise if we hit agreed upon Operating Margin targets for Mid- Atlantic making 3% raises possible in each year of the contract.
Protected healthcare benefits — no changes to office visit copays, and no changes to mail-order prescriptions and first-time prescription copays.
Protected retirement benefits — no changes to our pensions or retiree medical coverage.
No two-tier wage or benefits for new hires — all future Kaiser workers get the same wage rates and benefits as us!
Strongly protects against outsourcing and subcontracting of our jobs — including all call center, billing, revenue cycle, pharmacy, and lab positions.
Waives the work experience requirement - for any of us seeking promotion to a new position at Kaiser
Pension equity - Increase in the pension factor from 1.4 to 1.45 and a reduction in hours worked to qualify for a year of service.
Our Tentative Agreement includes many other huge wins for our families and our patients and also we will be returning to the bargaining table to work out more issues in partnership.
More details to come later this week, including next steps in our ratification process!
Thank you to the many sisters and brothers in our region and around the country that made this possible by uniting. Without a strong voice of the membership speaking through the strike vote this would not have been possible. And we would truly be remiss if we did not call out all the hard work of Team 7, Head Stewards, Stewards and Strike Captains and our Organizer Grace Reckers. We would have never been able to make this journey without you. Y’all rock.
Union Strong All Day Long...it’s back to the Local Bargaining table.
In Solidarity,
Linda Bridges
An important message from Linda:
Early this morning 83,000 healthcare workers nationwide reached a tentative contract settlement with Kaiser Permanente. The historic agreement revitalizes the long-standing worker-management partnership, protects good, middle class jobs, bans subcontracting and strengthens protections against outsourcing, and establishes a $130 million workforce development program. This is a huge win for workers, patients, and our communities. We still have to lock it in - ratification begins on Oct. 1 - but for now, let’s celebrate the incredible solidarity and hard work that produced this agreement!
Our Four-Year Tentative Agreement:
1. Protects good, middle class jobs with . . .
Strong across-the-board raises - 3% for 2019, raises of 2% + 1% lump sum bonus for each of the next three years. Plus, the 1% lump sum bonus can be converted to an additional 1% base - raise if we hit agreed upon Operating Margin targets for Mid- Atlantic making 3% raises possible in each year of the contract.
Protected healthcare benefits — no changes to office visit copays, and no changes to mail-order prescriptions and first-time prescription copays.
Protected retirement benefits — no changes to our pensions or retiree medical coverage.
No two-tier wage or benefits for new hires — all future Kaiser workers get the same wage rates and benefits as us!
Strongly protects against outsourcing and subcontracting of our jobs — including all call center, billing, revenue cycle, pharmacy, and lab positions.
Waives the work experience requirement - for any of us seeking promotion to a new position at Kaiser
Pension equity - Increase in the pension factor from 1.4 to 1.45 and a reduction in hours worked to qualify for a year of service.
Our Tentative Agreement includes many other huge wins for our families and our patients and also we will be returning to the bargaining table to work out more issues in partnership.
More details to come later this week, including next steps in our ratification process!
Thank you to the many sisters and brothers in our region and around the country that made this possible by uniting. Without a strong voice of the membership speaking through the strike vote this would not have been possible. And we would truly be remiss if we did not call out all the hard work of Team 7, Head Stewards, Stewards and Strike Captains and our Organizer Grace Reckers. We would have never been able to make this journey without you. Y’all rock.
Union Strong All Day Long...it’s back to the Local Bargaining table.
In Solidarity,
Linda Bridges
September 24, 2019
We've made the news! News outlets across the DMV area are picking up our story of our vote to authorize a strike. This show of force is proof to KP management that we are READY and UNITED in our efforts. We deserve a fair contract!
Check out some of the stories here:
950 Kaiser Permanente Workers In Baltimore Vote To Join Nationwide Strike
WJZ (CBS affiliate – Baltimore)
Sept. 23, 2019
Kaiser Permanente employees authorize strike amid negotiations
Maryland Daily Record
Sept. 23, 2019
Falls Church Kaiser Employees Conclude Strike Vote
Falls Church News Press
Sept. 20, 2019
Check out some of the stories here:
950 Kaiser Permanente Workers In Baltimore Vote To Join Nationwide Strike
WJZ (CBS affiliate – Baltimore)
Sept. 23, 2019
Kaiser Permanente employees authorize strike amid negotiations
Maryland Daily Record
Sept. 23, 2019
Falls Church Kaiser Employees Conclude Strike Vote
Falls Church News Press
Sept. 20, 2019
September 21, 2019
KP Mid-Atlantic States Local 2 union members OVERWHELMINGLY vote to authorize a strike!
September 19, 2019
September 18, 2019
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September 16, 2019
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The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions has put forth a resolution to go on strike October 14th. This is huge.
However, this does NOT mean that we are automatically going on strike. On the contrary, we will be left out of the strike and left out of the contract bargaining if we do not get a majority "YES" on the strike vote. This is not a time to be complacent. KP employees throughout the rest of the country have voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strike, and now it's our turn to do the same. We will not be able to participate in this nationwide strike and everyone will be at a disadvantage if we do not get our strike vote. |
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September 13, 2019
Has Kaiser Permanente Lost Its Way? https://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/has-kaiser-lost-its-way/content?oid=28747614
Yes, we think it has. Read the article to find out why.
Yes, we think it has. Read the article to find out why.
September 12, 2019
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CALLING ALL LOCAL 2 PHARMACISTS!
Take a look at the flyer to the left and hear from some of your union Brothers and Sisters. It's up to us to stand strong and show Kaiser that we mean business. |
September 9th, 2019
August 28th, 2019
If Kaiser executives want to provide the same quality of care that its staff wants to provide, then they should act like it – by fairly compensating employees throughout the nation, from California to the DMV.
August 23rd, 2019
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"Efforts to require healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente to improve its financial transparency and bring it closer to other hospitals and insurance companies in California advanced with the passage of SB 343 by the California Assembly Aug. 22.
SB 343 would require Kaiser Permanente to provide more data justifying increases in health insurance premiums, as is presently required of other health insurance companies...this legislation arms employers and others to negotiate fair rates when purchasing health insurance for their workers." Read more about the Senate Bill in California on the file on the left. |
August 22nd, 2019
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Over a hundred Local 2 Kaiser members came out to the Cap Hill courtyard on Wednesday, August 14th to meet our SEIU-UHW Brothers and Sisters and hear from Local 2 leadership about bargaining and strike updates. Hear from a few of them in our latest newsletter!
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August 20th, 2019
The hearing that was scheduled for today, August 20th, has once again been postponed. It will now be November 15th, 2019. More Unfair Labor Practice charges have been added to the growing case against Kaiser for their failure to bargain in good faith. Stay tuned.
August 17th, 2019
The Strike Captains are all in training today so they can effectively lead all 4,800 of our Kaiser union members. Here they are, energized and ready to strike! We'll be sending out their contact info to each location so that union members can contact them with questions.
August 12, 2019
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Our Brothers and Sisters represented by SEIU-UHW in California have voted to authorize a Kaiser strike in October: 98% of their voting membership say they will walk off their job until Kaiser agrees to settle a fair contract!
What does this mean for us? Local 2 Kaiser employees: look out for our upcoming strike vote in mid-September. More information will be coming out soon, but for now, we're planning on having polls at almost every center for five days. |
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August 5, 2019
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This doesn't add up to us! If Kaiser says workers raising a family on $44,000/year in LA are overpaid, you best believe they think we are, too.
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August 1, 2019
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Read up on the proposed two-tiered wage scale that KP is pushing for. If Kaiser is serious about creating a "One KP" model, they're going to have to see that a two-tiered wage structure divides workplaces and hurts their mission.
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July 31, 2019
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Wondering about your right to strike? Since Kaiser committed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) and has been charged by the National Labor Relations Board, our union members are permitted to strike, despite the no-strike clause in the Local Agreement. We, as a union, will never put employees on the line who are at risk of being fired. Since KP violated the National Labor Relations Act by refusing to bargain, they have likewise violated our contract, allowing us to lawfully strike.
You can read the complaint and notice of hearing for the Unfair Labor Practice on the left. |
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Check out Local 2's latest newsletter for KP employees.
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July 29, 2019
We've gotten a lot of questions about the exact language of KP management's bargaining proposals. Since nothing has been agreed upon, we have no exact language that can be distributed. However, you can see for yourselves what Kaiser has sent us alongside what we've proposed, and it's not pretty. The first document is a letter KP sent to the Coalition, the second is the Coalition's reply, and the third is a comparison of KP's and the Coalition's bargaining proposals.
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July 25, 2019
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Want more information on Kaiser management's proposals at the bargaining table? Want to see how their proposals disrespect employees and hurt the labor movement? Click on the document to the left to read more. |
July 22, 2019
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The most recent press release from the Coalition highlighted support for Kaiser employees from four of the top Presidential candidates: Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Beto O'Rourke. As we face steeper challenges at the bargaining table, we are attracting more well-deserved attention. This strike has the potential to be the biggest in the U.S. since 1997. |
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July 19, 2019
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OPEIU International has published a resolution calling the 15,000 OPEIU Kaiser members to vote for a strike when the time comes. The resolution discusses Kaiser's failure to bargain with the union, the $32 billion in reserves that Kaiser is sitting on, OPEIU's bargaining priorities and efforts, and the reasons for a strike. We have the support from OPEIU members across the country. Now is the time to stand in solidarity.
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July 12, 2019
There's a lot to catch up on from National Bargaining in California this week. Please check out our Local 2 Facebook page and Twitter account for frequent updates, and read through the documents below.
July 11 Bargaining Update
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We'll Strike If We Have To!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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July 9, 2019
Kamala Harris and Beto O'Rourke, two major democratic candidates in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, have both tweeted their support for Kaiser employees across the country. 85,000 Kaiser workers are members of unions in the Coalition of Kaiser Permamente Unions, including 4,800 Local 2 members across the DMV. These workers have been fighting for what they deserve for over a year now, and it's finally getting the attention we need. Now's the time to escalate our actions.
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July 3, 2019
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Wondering what the impact of Kaiser's proposals will be on current Kaiser employees? It's important to remember that taking benefits away from new-hires does NOT just affect future employees - it's a greedy, corporate strategy to hurt current employees as well. Find out more here, or by clicking the icon on the right.
Kaiser is trying to take apart our contract that we've worked for 20+ years to build up. And they have no financial justification for doing so, other than greed. With $32 billion in reserves and the CEO making $16 million every year, they should be leading the charge in treating employees fairly - not taking away their pay and benefits. Doing nothing will result in major losses for Kaiser employees. |
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June 19, 2019
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In the latest round of bargaining, Kaiser has proposed unjust conditions that would TAKE AWAY the benefits we have worked so hard to fight for. They want to increase copays for employees to $20, increase outsourcing, lower wages, and take away pensions for new hires.
They are trying to impose a two-tiered wage and pension system, pitting employees against each other and hurting any new hires trying to find work at Kaiser. |
June 10, 2019
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Local 2 representatives have been tirelessly traveling back and forth to California to bargain with Kaiser, nationally and locally. Read about the latest bargaining updates here and on the left. Check out the document here and on the right for some helpful talking points. Stay tuned for more updates! |
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May 23, 2019
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Delegates of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions (CKPU) completed their first round of bargaining in California May 14th-16th. Check out the summary here, or click on the icon to the right. The next round of bargaining will take place May 28th-29th.
Primary goals of this initial bargaining session were to establish working sub-groups, review the charters, and begin prioritizing deliverables. The Coalition leaders were excited about the progress and look forward to the next bargaining session! |
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April 12, 2019
Local 2 showed up in DC this week to make sure management heard us loud and clear: while CEO Bernard Tyson was accepting an award at the National Minority Quality Forum and another Kaiser exec. attended the Business Health Agenda, we handed out information to passerby's and conference attendees throughout the week.
February 13, 2019
After a charge was filed by the CPKU in May of 2018 against Kaiser's refusal to come to the bargaining table, the NLRB issued a formal complaint on December 28th, 2018.
"Respondent has been failing and refusing to bargain collectively and in good faith with the exclusive collective-bargaining representative of its employees in violation of Section 8(a)(1) and (5) of the Act." |
The National Agreement expired on September 30th, 2018. A hearing is now set for March 19th, 2019.
The NLRB charge:
"WHEREFORE, as part of the remedy for the unfair labor practices alleged above in paragraph 8, the General Counsel seeks an Order that requires Respondent to bargain, on request, with the Coalition for a National Agreement and-to cease and desist from conditioning such bargaining on reaching agreement on a revised Partnership Agreement. The General Counsel further seeks all other relief as may be just and proper to remedy the unfair labor practices alleged."
Kaiser has $30 billion in reserves, and recorded a profit of $3.8 billion in 2017 alone. They can afford to treat their employees fairly. It's up to us to show them how.
Kaiser continues its aggressive behavior towards all unions
July 11, 2018
Partnership Agreement:
Kaiser continues to demand a new Partnership Agreement and is requiring Coalition Unions to sign a new Partnership agreement as a condition of resuming negotiations of a new National Agreement. This “new” Partnership Agreement is completely one-sided. It demands unions and union members waive significant rights, and it gives management the right to vote on expelling unions.
We have met three times with Kaiser leaders over the last few months to reach an agreement. The Coalition has offered a counter proposal that was balanced—offering new rights and responsibilities within the Partnership for both our unions and Kaiser. We also have offered a ‘temporary cease fire’ that would get us back to the table for negotiations while addressing Kaiser’s concerns. Both of these offers have been rejected by Kaiser.
Alliance Negotiations
The unions that left the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions—the Alliance of Healthcare Unions—has been in negotiations with Kaiser after signing off on the new Partnership Agreement. They have not reached an agreement as of July 11, 2018 and are not expected to resume negotiations until late August. As those negotiations have progressed, significant concerns have emerged that that impact ALL union members at Kaiser. Specifically, Kaiser is demanding:
We have even heard that one Alliance union that was simply informing its members of the status of negotiations has been called on the carpet by Kaiser for doing so.
Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions Goals Moving Forward
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, over 80,000 members strong, is united on the following:
Partnership Agreement: We stand committed to the Partnership and are open to a new Partnership Agreement. However, we require that any such new Agreement must:
New National Agreement: We stand united to win a new National Agreement that does the following:
Kaiser is making historically high profits, including $1.3 billion in the most recent quarter. There is no reason for Kaiser to be demanding takeaways from anyone. They can afford to move forward to have the best ever National Agreement.
Our Plan to Win Moving Forward
Our Unity is our Strength. The strength of the Coalition over the past 20 years is what has helped us win the best contract in healthcare in the United States. We will not stand idly by while Kaiser continues its bad faith bargaining tactics. Here is our plan to win:
We are confident that our unity and strength will get Kaiser to come back to the table and negotiate a new National Agreement that our members deserve.
Kaiser continues to demand a new Partnership Agreement and is requiring Coalition Unions to sign a new Partnership agreement as a condition of resuming negotiations of a new National Agreement. This “new” Partnership Agreement is completely one-sided. It demands unions and union members waive significant rights, and it gives management the right to vote on expelling unions.
We have met three times with Kaiser leaders over the last few months to reach an agreement. The Coalition has offered a counter proposal that was balanced—offering new rights and responsibilities within the Partnership for both our unions and Kaiser. We also have offered a ‘temporary cease fire’ that would get us back to the table for negotiations while addressing Kaiser’s concerns. Both of these offers have been rejected by Kaiser.
Alliance Negotiations
The unions that left the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions—the Alliance of Healthcare Unions—has been in negotiations with Kaiser after signing off on the new Partnership Agreement. They have not reached an agreement as of July 11, 2018 and are not expected to resume negotiations until late August. As those negotiations have progressed, significant concerns have emerged that that impact ALL union members at Kaiser. Specifically, Kaiser is demanding:
- Higher co-pays on our medical benefits
- “Market based” wages based on where people work
- Eroding RN staffing ratios
We have even heard that one Alliance union that was simply informing its members of the status of negotiations has been called on the carpet by Kaiser for doing so.
Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions Goals Moving Forward
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, over 80,000 members strong, is united on the following:
Partnership Agreement: We stand committed to the Partnership and are open to a new Partnership Agreement. However, we require that any such new Agreement must:
- Be reciprocal and not one-sided,
- Protect key union and union members’ rights to advocate for and protect our jobs, job security, and
- Be voted on for ratification at the same time as a new National Agreement.
New National Agreement: We stand united to win a new National Agreement that does the following:
- Secures equity for the Regions Outside of California (ROC) on Wages and our Pension Multiplier;
- Protects our Benefits and Wages;
- Ensures the newly added Washington State unions enjoy the same standards and provisions of the National Agreement and are not relegated to a second-class status on wages, benefits, and employee rights;
- Protects our union jobs and ensuring job security.
Kaiser is making historically high profits, including $1.3 billion in the most recent quarter. There is no reason for Kaiser to be demanding takeaways from anyone. They can afford to move forward to have the best ever National Agreement.
Our Plan to Win Moving Forward
Our Unity is our Strength. The strength of the Coalition over the past 20 years is what has helped us win the best contract in healthcare in the United States. We will not stand idly by while Kaiser continues its bad faith bargaining tactics. Here is our plan to win:
- Worksite Actions: Throughout the Coalition, we are conducting various worksite actions to show our unity and to show Kaiser that we are united and in action together. It is more important than ever for all members to get involved and be active.
- Legal: The Coalition has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Testimony has been given and dozens of supporting documents have been provided. Kaiser cannot suspend National Agreement negotiations nor precondition those negotiations on a new Partnership Agreement.
- Political Outreach: Kaiser’s bad faith negotiations tactics have concerned a large number of political leaders and they have communicated their concerns to Kaiser leadership. We are reaching out to all political leaders to update them on Kaiser’s refusal to bargain with over 80,000 union members and their anti-union behavior.
- Purchasers: The Coalition has already organized union representatives covering over 1 million Kaiser customers to send letters to Kaiser expressing concern about their behavior.
We are confident that our unity and strength will get Kaiser to come back to the table and negotiate a new National Agreement that our members deserve.
Starting March 2018: Follow negotiations between the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions and Kaiser Permanente!
Updates will be posted on:Click on any of the above to be taken to the site!
April 2, 2018
Well said, Local 30! Local 2 members echo these sentiments.
Dear Local 30 Members,
I would like to update you on where we are with our National Bargaining and provide more details on how we got here. First off, to be clear Local 30 has NOT left the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions. While several other groups have decided to leave for a variety of reasons, the OPEIU local unions across the country remain committed to the Coalition and to the choice our members made years ago when they voted to join.
As a result of the unannounced departure of nearly a third of the membership of the Coalition, Kaiser has been put in the unenviable position of having to figure out how they will proceed given the now multiple demands to bargain. While we in the Coalition certainly maintain our right to bargain, Kaiser leadership has asked for some time to try to sort this out. We have agreed to allow them that time and our National Bargaining will be delayed for a bit to accommodate that request. We fully intend to return as soon as possible to the bargaining table.
For now the Coalition unions continue to prepare for bargaining and work with our committees on our proposals and arguments to ensure our success. We will continue to communicate regularly to keep you informed. Our next meetings as a leadership team will be the week of April 9th and we will continue to develop our strategy and communication plan to keep our members in the loop. Your patience is requested as we work through the issues before us.
Lastly, while the unions that left the Coalition have chosen to no longer be “Partner” unions under the National Agreement, they are still unions and as such we all share many of the same values and goals. Their leaders and their members are still our friends and colleagues and the work we have always done together has benefited us all. For these reasons I am asking that we all refrain from any negative comments and avoid playing into the rumor mill. These communications from me and from YOUR union are intended to keep you informed, but also to make sure you can determine the fact from the fiction. While I cannot control the things that others may say, I will do my best to make sure that you get the facts you need to be able to tell truth from fiction.
If you know of other Local 30 members who would like to receive these text and email updates, please have them go to our website or just call the office.
In unity,
Walter Allen Jr.
Executive Director/CFO
I would like to update you on where we are with our National Bargaining and provide more details on how we got here. First off, to be clear Local 30 has NOT left the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions. While several other groups have decided to leave for a variety of reasons, the OPEIU local unions across the country remain committed to the Coalition and to the choice our members made years ago when they voted to join.
As a result of the unannounced departure of nearly a third of the membership of the Coalition, Kaiser has been put in the unenviable position of having to figure out how they will proceed given the now multiple demands to bargain. While we in the Coalition certainly maintain our right to bargain, Kaiser leadership has asked for some time to try to sort this out. We have agreed to allow them that time and our National Bargaining will be delayed for a bit to accommodate that request. We fully intend to return as soon as possible to the bargaining table.
For now the Coalition unions continue to prepare for bargaining and work with our committees on our proposals and arguments to ensure our success. We will continue to communicate regularly to keep you informed. Our next meetings as a leadership team will be the week of April 9th and we will continue to develop our strategy and communication plan to keep our members in the loop. Your patience is requested as we work through the issues before us.
Lastly, while the unions that left the Coalition have chosen to no longer be “Partner” unions under the National Agreement, they are still unions and as such we all share many of the same values and goals. Their leaders and their members are still our friends and colleagues and the work we have always done together has benefited us all. For these reasons I am asking that we all refrain from any negative comments and avoid playing into the rumor mill. These communications from me and from YOUR union are intended to keep you informed, but also to make sure you can determine the fact from the fiction. While I cannot control the things that others may say, I will do my best to make sure that you get the facts you need to be able to tell truth from fiction.
If you know of other Local 30 members who would like to receive these text and email updates, please have them go to our website or just call the office.
In unity,
Walter Allen Jr.
Executive Director/CFO
March 29, 2018
A message from the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions
What we’re fighting for:
We are committed to negotiating the best possible National Agreement that protects all our benefits and rights and includes economic improvements such as:
- Strong raises that are equal across regions
- Increased pension multiplier and change pension hours
- No takeaways on health plans
- KP Washington with full National Agreement - Insourcing and the end of subcontracting
How we work together:
We have always believed in—and strived for—consensus. For 20 years, we have been able to make 99.9% of our decisions together as unions, by consensus. This is still true with the Coalition we have today.
Our Coalition has grown and changed in many ways. Because of these changes, we have advocated to update our Coalition decision‐making structures to make sure that all Coalition unions are heard and—if we cannot reach consensus—we have a clear way to make decisions and achieve our goals. All Coalition unions—locals in SEIU, OPEIU, AFSCME (UNAC/UHCP), AFT (OFNHP/ONA), UFCW, IBT, IFPTE, IUOE, KPNAA, ILWU and UNITE HERE—had agreed that in 2018 National Bargaining, if we were unable to reach consensus, we would accept agreement from 70 percent of the represented union members.
For other day‐to‐day decisions, we believe a two‐thirds (66%) super‐majority would be a fair way to move forward into the future that is democratic and protects the voice of all unions. Under this structure, there is no way for one union—even one as large as SEIU‐UHW—to make decisions without significant support from other unions.
In the course of preparations for national bargaining, there have been robust conversations about how to keep our Coalition united and strong and bring resolution to our decision‐making processes. We remain committed to an open dialogue about this and feel that it was not in the spirit of partnership for some unions to walk away from the longest lasting, strongest, largest union coalition in the country because of a disagreement over internal decision‐making rules within the Coalition.
We hope that the unions who left last minute will re‐join the Coalition—and join us at the table with management. We are stronger together!
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, AFL‐CIO, represents Kaiser Permanente employees in the following unions: SEIU Locals 49, 105, 121RN, 1199NW, UHW; OPEIU Locals 2, 8, 29, 30, 50 (HNA); IFPTE Local 20, and UNITE HERE Local 5.
We are committed to negotiating the best possible National Agreement that protects all our benefits and rights and includes economic improvements such as:
- Strong raises that are equal across regions
- Increased pension multiplier and change pension hours
- No takeaways on health plans
- KP Washington with full National Agreement - Insourcing and the end of subcontracting
How we work together:
We have always believed in—and strived for—consensus. For 20 years, we have been able to make 99.9% of our decisions together as unions, by consensus. This is still true with the Coalition we have today.
Our Coalition has grown and changed in many ways. Because of these changes, we have advocated to update our Coalition decision‐making structures to make sure that all Coalition unions are heard and—if we cannot reach consensus—we have a clear way to make decisions and achieve our goals. All Coalition unions—locals in SEIU, OPEIU, AFSCME (UNAC/UHCP), AFT (OFNHP/ONA), UFCW, IBT, IFPTE, IUOE, KPNAA, ILWU and UNITE HERE—had agreed that in 2018 National Bargaining, if we were unable to reach consensus, we would accept agreement from 70 percent of the represented union members.
For other day‐to‐day decisions, we believe a two‐thirds (66%) super‐majority would be a fair way to move forward into the future that is democratic and protects the voice of all unions. Under this structure, there is no way for one union—even one as large as SEIU‐UHW—to make decisions without significant support from other unions.
In the course of preparations for national bargaining, there have been robust conversations about how to keep our Coalition united and strong and bring resolution to our decision‐making processes. We remain committed to an open dialogue about this and feel that it was not in the spirit of partnership for some unions to walk away from the longest lasting, strongest, largest union coalition in the country because of a disagreement over internal decision‐making rules within the Coalition.
We hope that the unions who left last minute will re‐join the Coalition—and join us at the table with management. We are stronger together!
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, AFL‐CIO, represents Kaiser Permanente employees in the following unions: SEIU Locals 49, 105, 121RN, 1199NW, UHW; OPEIU Locals 2, 8, 29, 30, 50 (HNA); IFPTE Local 20, and UNITE HERE Local 5.
March 27, 2018
Letter to our Kaiser Permanente bargaining unit members
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This week, Union leaders, bargaining team members, and observers of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions arrived in Oakland to begin negotiations with management for a new National Agreement. Unfortunately, we were met with an announcement by some unions: Effective immediately, they have withdrawn from the Coalition.
This has not deterred us from our mission and responsibilities. Local 2 and your bargaining team are proud to confirm our unity, strength and readiness for negotiations with our sister locals from OPEIU, SEIU, SEIU-UHW, UNITE-HERE and IFPTE.
Over the course of the next few months, you may hear many different versions of the events. Do not let the politics, power plays and propaganda confuse you or deter you from our purpose. We are here in good faith to represent the interests of our membership. We are 80,000 Union Strong across all regions in Kaiser Permanente.
We are not here to end the partnership. Nor are we one of the unions that has pulled our membership out of the National Agreement. Our membership continues to enjoy in full force the benefits and privileges of the National CBA.
Despite the narrative that is being spun by some of the previous Coalition Unions, we ask that you remain focused and grounded in the tasks at hand: To better the lives and working conditions of our sisters and brothers.
We know that there are a lot of unanswered questions at this point, and we are all dealing with this in real time. We ask that you strengthen your resolve. We will keep you informed as the situation progresses.
In Solidarity, In Solidarity,
Linda S. Bridges Sarah S. Levesque
Secretary Treasurer 1st Vice President
OPEIU, Local 2, AFL-CIO OPEIU, Local 2, AFL-CIO
This week, Union leaders, bargaining team members, and observers of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions arrived in Oakland to begin negotiations with management for a new National Agreement. Unfortunately, we were met with an announcement by some unions: Effective immediately, they have withdrawn from the Coalition.
This has not deterred us from our mission and responsibilities. Local 2 and your bargaining team are proud to confirm our unity, strength and readiness for negotiations with our sister locals from OPEIU, SEIU, SEIU-UHW, UNITE-HERE and IFPTE.
Over the course of the next few months, you may hear many different versions of the events. Do not let the politics, power plays and propaganda confuse you or deter you from our purpose. We are here in good faith to represent the interests of our membership. We are 80,000 Union Strong across all regions in Kaiser Permanente.
We are not here to end the partnership. Nor are we one of the unions that has pulled our membership out of the National Agreement. Our membership continues to enjoy in full force the benefits and privileges of the National CBA.
Despite the narrative that is being spun by some of the previous Coalition Unions, we ask that you remain focused and grounded in the tasks at hand: To better the lives and working conditions of our sisters and brothers.
We know that there are a lot of unanswered questions at this point, and we are all dealing with this in real time. We ask that you strengthen your resolve. We will keep you informed as the situation progresses.
In Solidarity, In Solidarity,
Linda S. Bridges Sarah S. Levesque
Secretary Treasurer 1st Vice President
OPEIU, Local 2, AFL-CIO OPEIU, Local 2, AFL-CIO