Kaiser Healthcare Workers Ratify New Contract
OAN’s Rayana Unutoa
12:55 PM – Thursday, November 9, 2023
Tens of thousands of Kaiser Permanente health care workers have ratified a new deal with the company after months of negotiations.
On Thursday, the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions announced most of its 85,000 members voted to approve a new four-year contract which includes a 21% wage increase over four years.
In California, the minimum wage will increase to $25 an hour. In other states the company operates in, the minimum wage has been raised to $23 an hour.
The agreement also included an increased payout for employees under a performance-sharing plan and initiatives to invest in the current workforce.
In a push to address the staffing crisis, the deal also features increased training and mass hiring events.
The new contract is effective immediately. It will expire in September 2027.
The company currently operates in 39 hospitals and serves around 13 million people yearly.
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What were the main concerns about staffing levels that led to the strike by Kaiser Permanente employees?
Improve staffing levels, the new contract also includes agreements to hire 4,000 additional full-time employees over the next four years.
This new deal comes after months of negotiations and a strike by more than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente employees, represented by various union members. The strike, which began on October 4, 2023, was one of the largest healthcare worker strikes in recent US history.
The main point of contention in the negotiations was staffing levels. Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest healthcare providers in the country, has been facing criticism for understaffing, leading to overworked and burnt-out employees, as well as compromised patient care. The union members demanded better staffing levels to ensure the well-being of both workers and patients.
The approval of this new contract is a significant victory for the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions and its members. Not only does it provide substantial wage increases, but it also addresses the critical issue of staffing levels and invests in the current workforce. The inclusion of increased payouts under the performance-sharing plan is also a positive step towards recognizing and rewarding the hard work of Kaiser Permanente employees.
Furthermore, the agreement to hire 4,000 additional full-time employees over the next four years is crucial in improving staffing levels and ensuring that employees are not overworked and patients receive the quality care they deserve. This commitment to hiring additional staff demonstrates Kaiser Permanente’s dedication to addressing the concerns of its employees and meeting the needs of its patients.
The wage increases included in the new contract are also significant, with the minimum wage in California set to increase to $25 an hour. This is a positive development that will not only improve the financial well-being of Kaiser Permanente employees but also contribute to reducing income inequality.
The ratification of this new deal is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and the strength of the union members. It showcases the importance of workers coming together to fight for their rights and improve working conditions. The successful negotiations and the resulting agreement should serve as an inspiration to workers in other industries who face similar challenges.
Overall, the ratification of the new contract between Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions is a positive outcome for both the employees and the company. It addresses key concerns, such as staffing levels and wage increases, and sets a precedent for improved working conditions in the healthcare industry. This agreement demonstrates the importance of collaboration between employers and employees to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes that promote worker well-being and ensure the provision of quality healthcare services.
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