We have agreed to continue working as long as meaningful progress is being made in negotiations. Even though our contract expired, management still has a legal obligation to follow our contract. They cannot make any unilateral changes to our wages, benefits or working conditions, including time off and Ben Hudnall.

However, working beyond expiration does mean we have the right to strike, if our union believes that is necessary. Because we are a healthcare institution, we would have to give KP a 10-day notice to strike before a strike would begin. We will let you know immediately if that happens. In the meantime, everyone should continue to show up, as scheduled, stay focused, and work safely.

A strike is when workers join together and refuse to work to show the employer our collective power. The goal of a strike is to win a fair union contract.

Thousands of Local 7600 members attended one of 12 informational meetings in September where they indicated a near unanimous message that they were ready to strike, if necessary.

We would provide KP with ten days’ notice before any strike would begin.

If a 10-day notice is given, we will make sure you have all of the info you need to participate in the strike, including your picketing schedule, info on strike assistance and healthcare options and other ways you can get involved. Our CAT team, Picket Captains and Assistance Committee have been preparing for this.

A strike means we are refusing to work in order to stand up for the contract we deserve. Every member will be expected to participate in the strike by refusing to work until we get a fair contract.

You will be asked to sign-up for regular picket shifts to show your support, in addition to participating in other solidarity actions and activities. If you cannot picket, we have other ways you can help!

The USW has a healthcare program that will ensure all members and your dependents have healthcare coverage throughout the strike. If KP cuts off our healthcare benefits, the coverage you have may not be the same, but we will make sure you have coverage. Our Healthcare Coordinators will be sharing more detailed information.

You should report to work as normal until the strike begins. If you are on shift when it begins, you should leave at that time in the same way as you normally would at the end of your shift, following any normal procedures. We will plan to walk out together to show our unity and strength!