Kaiser Permanente and its unions have reached a tentative agreement that will benefit more than 80,000 employees across the United States. The four-year deal will provide increased wages, improved benefits, and job security for union workers.
The agreement comes after months of negotiations between Kaiser Permanente and its unions, including the Alliance of Health Care Unions and the National Union of Healthcare Workers. Union members will now vote on the proposed contract, with the results expected in the coming weeks.
One of the key provisions of the tentative agreement is increased wages for union workers. According to the Alliance of Health Care Unions, the deal includes an immediate 3% wage increase, followed by 2% increases in 2022 and 2023. This will provide a much-needed boost to union workers who have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agreement also includes improved benefits for union workers, including enhanced medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additionally, the deal includes protections for union jobs, limiting outsourcing and offshoring of jobs, and ensuring that Kaiser Permanente prioritizes union workers when filling new positions.
Importantly, the tentative agreement also includes provisions for improving patient care. Kaiser Permanente and its unions have committed to working together to improve staffing levels and reduce wait times for patients. This will help to ensure that patients receive the care they need in a timely and efficient manner.
In a statement, Kaiser Permanente praised the tentative agreement, saying that it “recognizes the hard work and commitment of our people who have been on the front lines during the pandemic.” The company also expressed its hope that the deal would be ratified by union members.
Overall, the tentative agreement between Kaiser Permanente and its unions represents a significant step forward for union workers. The increased wages, improved benefits, and job security provided by the deal will help to ensure that union workers receive the support they need to continue providing high-quality care to patients.
