Many of you know me, but for those who do not, I am your USW Local 7600 President, Valery Robinson. I am taking your health/safety and well being very seriously during these unprecedented, critical times.  This is why I want to personally inform you of a very important update regarding PPE.

I have received an outpour of messages regarding PPE's.  I want you to know that your cries have not fallen on deaf ears.  So before I get into the details, please know that I started out as a phlebotomist 31 years ago, (I have been in your shoes).  This is important because for as long as I can remember, Kaiser Permanente has always had a very strict PPE policy. The policy has always made sense and it still does, but I am not willing to risk, not even ONE Steelworker to Coronavirus exposure.

In this regard, I expressed your concern alongside my own with the leadership of Kaiser Permanente and we have come to the agreement that during these times of mass PPE shortages, employees will be allowed to use and wear their own personal masks.  Kaiser Permanente will continue to provide PPE's (masks) to the areas where they are required, but in the areas where they are not, we can now bring and wear our own masks from home.  This agreement is temporary and will stay in effect until further notice.

If, for any reason you are instructed otherwise, respectfully comply, email [email protected] and it will be addressed.

I STAND WITH YOU!,

Valery Robinson

USW Local 7600 President

“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”
― J.K. Rowling