Session 6 Update — Fighting for Patient Care & Fair Wages
Bargaining recap and next steps for Alliance members — September 13
The Alliance bargaining team pressed Kaiser Permanente (KP) to engage collaboratively on patient scheduling so caregivers have the time needed to deliver safe, quality care. KP declined, asserting scheduling as a unilateral management right. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Economics
KP’s latest wage counter moved just +0.5% and added a one-time 401(k) payment in year two — still far short of what health care workers deserve after years of understaffing and inflation. The Alliance is holding firm for real, competitive raises. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
| Effective Date | KP 9/12 Counter | Alliance 9/12 Counter |
|---|---|---|
| 10/1/2025 | 6.5% + one-time 1% 401(k) contribution | 13% |
| 10/1/2026 | 6.5% | 6% |
| 10/1/2027 | 4% | 4% |
| 10/1/2028 | 3% | 4% |
Staffing & Patient Care
The subgroup made minimal progress: labor accepted revised language on measuring partnership above the UBT level (from “will include” to “will consider”), but KP refused to move on critical scheduling and template language that would give frontline workers a real voice. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
When UNAC/UHCP’s Peter Sidhu asked management, “What damage does our language do?”, KP had no answer — reinforcing concerns about whether they’re bargaining in true partnership. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Partnership Effectiveness
Over five sessions, the parties reached meaningful improvements: accountability measures, better consistency and tools, and upgraded partnership training — concrete steps toward making partnership measurable and meaningful. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
AI & Technology: Protections Won
- Creation of a National AI & Technology Task Force with early labor input.
- Strong language protecting clinical judgment and professional expertise.
- Right to intervene in AI recommendations affecting patient care.
- Notice requirements when KP introduces AI tools to monitor employees. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Local Bargaining
More than 60 local bargaining sessions convened alongside national bargaining to move local negotiations forward. Some movement occurred, but KP has not put sufficient economic resources on the table for improvements in differentials, premium pay, longevity steps, preceptor pay, and other key issues. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
On the Line: NorCal UNAC/UHCP
On Monday, September 8, more than 600 Nurse Anesthetists and Nurse Midwives staged a one-day strike across Northern California over unsafe staffing, burnout, and risks to patient care; hundreds of Physician Assistants joined in sympathy. Participation among the Nurse Anesthetists and Nurse Midwives was reported at 100%. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Voices from the Frontline
“We come to the table ready to find solutions, but Kaiser keeps dragging their feet. Partnership can’t work if one side isn’t willing to engage.” — Hope Treco, MRI Technologist, Teamsters 166 :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
“Partnership means listening to the people who provide the care — but Kaiser keeps shutting us out.” — Zachary Pritchett, Emergency Dept. RN, UNAC/UHCP :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
“When Kaiser refuses to move, it’s not just slowing bargaining — it’s putting both workers and patients at risk.” — Gracie Esperanza, UNITE HERE Local 5 Organizer :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
“Every time they stall or refuse to move, it’s clear they aren’t serious about working with us to solve real issues.” — Chris Bowen, Respiratory Therapist, UFCW Local 7600 :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
What’s Next
The Alliance remains united for competitive, durable wage increases and for a meaningful voice in scheduling and care delivery. We will continue pressing KP to align words with action — at the national table and across local negotiations. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}