Kaiser Permanente workers ratify four-year contract

Pay raises, staffing and performance incentives all are part of the new work contract for Kaiser Permanente health care workers.

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions has announced the workers ratified the 2023 national agreement with a 98.5% yes vote. Ratification followed the largest health care worker strike in U.S. history Oct. 4 to 7. The labor stoppage involved about 40% of Kaiser’s total workforce in facilities around California, Colorado, Washington, Virginia, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. The union coalition has said the new contract will strengthen patient care in those states and in Kaiser facilities in Hawaii and Maryland.

“This victory was delivered by the sheer grit, unwavering dedication, and unbreakable spirit of our Coalition union members,” said the announcement posted on the union website. “It is a victory well deserved.”

The four-year contract runs through Sept. 30, 2027, for 85,000 health care workers, represented by 11 local unions. Provisions include:

• 21% across-the-board raises, with 6% in year one and 5% in the three remaining years.
• $1,500 ratification bonuses to be paid in February 2024.
• $1,500 minimum pay, or more if goals are met through the health system’s performance sharing program (PSP). The pay will be prorated for part-time and is payable in March 2024.
• Pay ranging from $1,200 to $3,750 if 2024 financial goals are met.

The contract also will engage all unit-based teams in joint staffing models, plans and budgeting by August 2025. Kaiser Permanente will use less registry/traveler staff and proactively address vacancies, and there will be restrictions on outsourcing and subcontractor work.

The health system also will increase money for education and career development, according to the union’s summary.

“These agreements will help ensure we remain a best place to work and receive care,” said a news release by Kaiser Permanente.

“We will begin implementing the national contract immediately,” the health system statement said. “We look forward to working together through the Labor Management Partnership to advance our mission of providing high-quality, affordable health care services and improving the health of our members and the communities we serve.”