Important Message from Micheal Barnett

President, USW Local 7600

USW Local 7600 members,

Thank you for your continued engagement and solidarity. I want to share an update on where things stand with National Bargaining and the actions the Alliance is taking.

As you are aware, UNAC/UHCP has issued a 10-day strike notice in response to Kaiser Permanente’s continued refusal to return to the bargaining table. In multiple recent communications, Kaiser Permanente has stated that it is unwilling to bargain with UNAC/UHCP at the local level and with the Alliance of Health Care Unions at the national level. As a result, UNAC/UHCP made the decision to issue the 10-day notice. At this time, USW Local 7600 has not issued a 10-day notice and is continuing to assess what actions are necessary to get Kaiser Permanente to return to the National Bargaining table and bargain in good faith.

After UNAC/UHCP released the information Kaiser Permanente had been demanding in its videos, the Alliance formally issued a demand to return to bargaining. However, in Kaiser Permanente’s most recent video, it is clear they are attempting to bring National Bargaining to an end. This appears to be an effort to divide the Alliance, but let me be clear: we will not be divided. We are stronger together.

Kaiser Permanente has tried this round of bargaining to go after local unions for concessions. Because of the strength and unity of more than 60,000 Alliance members, we stood together and said no. That collective power is why KP must now return to bargaining and provide the fair contract our members need and deserve.

If Kaiser Permanente continues to refuse to bargain in good faith, and UNAC/UHCP goes on strike on January 26, USW Local 7600 is preparing to support their members and their union in every way possible. This support may include, but is not limited to, monetary donations; providing food, water, and other supplies; joining picket lines during breaks, lunch periods, and off-duty time; refraining from performing work that is exclusively assigned to UNAC/UHCP members; and serving as the eyes and ears on the floor in solidarity.

Additionally, the Alliance is launching a series of coordinated actions calling on Kaiser Permanente to stop the delay, return to the bargaining table, and reach fair agreements. One of the first actions is a unified petition demanding that KP resume National Bargaining and settle fair National and Local Agreements for all Alliance members.

This petition is a way for every member to visibly stand together and send a clear message: Kaiser Permanente must return to the table and negotiate in good faith.

In Solidarity,

Micheal Barnett
President
USW Local 7600

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https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/we-will-not-be-divided-its-time-for-a-fair-contract