Kaiser Permanente Pro Tech Optical - Bargaining Update

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We are still bargaining nationally over wages. Although KP nationally has proposed wage increases that bring some positions closer to other Washington Employers, we are still fighting for wage equity for ALL workers.

Locally, we continue to bargain over market increases, which allows for consideration of jobs that have fallen below the market. KPWA management has made it clear that they are not considering what other health care competitors are paying when making proposals. Instead, they want to wait and see if there is a future problem hiring certain job classifications and may consider paying higher wages. NOT RESPECTFUL!

Kaiser is proposing that all wage adjustments, differentials, and premiums be effective the first full pay period 120 days after ratification. This means that increases would not go into effect until at least April. NOT ACCEPTABLE!

Kaiser just officially announced that Capitol Hill is expanding their hospital services and will be doing more acute care. We anticipate that this means higher acuity patients and more surgeries, in addition to workflow changes for many positions that fall under the Pro Tech/Optical and Pharmacy contracts. We have been asking for information regarding these changes for several months, and Kaiser has just officially notified us. NOT PARTNERSHIP!

HAVE YOU FILLED OUT THE STRIKE PLEDGE CARD? >>

For additional information, contact a Bargaining Team member or:

  • Aisha Womack, Union Rep: 206-436-6584

  • JJ Benson, Contract Specialist: 425-306-1357

If someone you know isn't getting updates: Update Your Information >>

Pro Tech Optical Bargaining Team: Nicole Merriam, Sarah Lau, Ashleigh Aufort, Chandra Allen, Vicki Kobeski, Juli Bell, Bryana Kolppa

Kaiser Pro Tech Optical and Pharmacy - Bargaining Update

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Kaiser Pro Tech Optical and Pharmacy
Bargaining Update

Thank you for attending our Contract Action Meeting this week. It was good to hear from you and share more information about what's been happening in both local and national bargaining. We will let you know when we have information on another meeting.

Before we met with you Wednesday night, both the Pro Tech Optical and Pharmacy teams met with Kaiser and bargained over market increases. These increases are specifically meant for positions that are not in line with other local health care providers. Market increases should be competitive, so Kaiser can hire workers. When Kaiser doesn't pay competitive wages, we all work harder to cover for unfilled positions.

We also bargained over how and when increases might be implemented. We do not currently have any agreement on the implementation dates for increases, but will continue discussions and advocating for timely implementation of all contractual economic improvements.

We are working towards a contract that is sustainable and encourages people to want to continue working with Kaiser.

Kaiser: Make a Commitment to Fair Wages!

We are scheduled to continue bargaining the National Agreement October 28-29 as well as working on the Pharmacy and Pro Tech Optical contracts.

For additional information contact a Bargaining Team member or:

Aisha Womack 206-436-6584 Union Rep

JJ Benson 425-306-1357 Contract Specialist

If someone you know isn't getting updates: Update Your Information >>

Pro Tech Optical Bargaining Team: Nicole Merriam, Sarah Lau, Ashleigh Aufort, Chandra Allen, Vicki Kobeski, Juli Bell, Bryana Kolppa

Pharmacy Bargaining Team: Cesar Galloso, Jason Lindquist, Kay Halverson, JJ Benson, Krystal Krotzer, Mark Stewart

Kaiser Pro Tech Optical and Pharmacy - WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH STRIKING KAISER WORKERS!

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The following National Alliance of Healthcare Workers Unions are holding a five-day strike October 14-18:

  • UNAC/UHCP (California)

  • HNHP Hawaii Nurses & Healthcare Professionals (Hawaii)

  • UNITE HERE Local 5 (Hawaii)

  • USW United Steelworkers 7600 (California)

  • OFNHP AFT Local 5017 (Oregon and Southern Washington/Vancouver)

These contracts have all expired and workers are striking for better staffing, wages, and retirement benefits.

Our local contracts include Pro Tech Optical and Pharmacy. The Pro Tech Optical contract expired on October 1. The Pharmacy contract will expire July 31, 2026.

We have continued to bargain local contracts. Last week we met with management for several days. We are working on local economics including market increases (getting KPWA positions closer to other area healthcare).

September 15-17 we emailed and texted asking you to let Kaiser know: NO PROGRESS NO PULSE! Thank you for sending Kaiser this message!

Last week we sent a letter to Greg Adams notifying him that we are putting a pause on partnership activities, notably:

  • Regional and Local Labor Management Partnership Councils

  • Workplace Safety Committees

  • Attendance Committees and Reviews

  • Unit-Based Teams (UBTs) and UBT Projects

  • Steward Training Sessions

  • Alliance-Partnership Representatives

  • Workforce of the Future Initiatives

We are continuing to ask all KPWA UFCW workers: Will you do what it takes for this contract?

If you need a pledge card, reach out and we will make sure you get one.

You are invited to attend a virtual Contract Action Meeting. Find out what's happening in local bargaining, national bargaining, and next steps.

Kaiser Pro-Tech Optical Pharmacy - Pause on Partnership

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All Alliance locals have sent notifications to Greg Adams, letting him know that we are immediately pausing participation in Labor Management Partnership (LMP) activities found in the National Agreement.

This action comes after a consistent pattern of disregard for partnership principles—delays, scripted responses, and a lack of genuine engagement. The LMP was created to solve problems together and improve care, not to serve as a formality. When leadership stops listening, partnership stops working.

Therefore, the following LMP structures and activities are paused, effective noon PST on October 8, 2025:

  • Regional and Local Labor Management Partnership Councils

  • Workplace Safety Committees

  • Attendance Committees and Reviews

  • Unit-Based Teams (UBTs) and UBT Projects

  • Steward Training Sessions

  • Alliance-Partnership Representatives

  • Workforce of the Future Initiatives

For additional information reach out to Contract Specialist JJ Benson 425-306-1357 or Union Representative Aisha Womack 206-436-6584.

Kaiser Pharmacy - Bargaining Update

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We have been bargaining for five months and have several tentative agreements, mostly for non-economic contract language. We continue to argue with Kaiser about competitive wages. Kaiser seems unconcerned that wages are not aligned with other local healthcare employers. They seem only interested in the positions that are hard to fill.

The Pro Tech Optical and the National Alliance agreements both expired last week. Management has continued to push back on our proposal to align all contract expiration dates across the country. Our local Pharmacy contract expires July 31, 2026.

This is a priority for all contracts and we will continue to fight!

Nationally, Kaiser has made no substantial movement and there are a number of outstanding issues that need to be resolved.

Some other bargaining units that fall under the Alliance National Agreement have taken strike authorization votes and have notified Kaiser that they are planning to strike on or around October 13. Since the local Pharmacy contract has not expired, we cannot strike at this time but there are things we can do.

We can voice our concerns to management in solidarity with our Alliance National partners whose contracts have expired.

We can work together and push back against Kaiser's refusal to acknowledge that wages need to be sustainable and staffing needs to be safe.

We can support our local contract fight by filling out the card being circulated. If you need a card contact your steward or Contract Specialist JJ Benson 425-306-1357.

It's time to turn up the volume on our message and our collective power.

Kaiser Pro Tech Optical - Bargaining Update

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Kaiser Pro Tech Optical
Bargaining Update

Since our first meetings five months ago, our bargaining team has worked to reach agreement on a strong contract. This week we reached tentative agreements on:

  • Establishment of a Joint Committee on Eyecare

  • Occasional Floating improvements

  • Establishment of a Joint Committee on Job Roles and Career Development

  • New language in Article 8 creating a True-Up process

  • Updated Experience language (addresses wage scale placement)

This is in addition to other tentative agreements reached previously including increases to premiums and differentials. We continue to work to ensure that Kaiser understands the extremely competitive wages offered by other employers in Washington.

Kaiser has made no substantial movement on raising wages at National Bargaining. This week we are continuing to fight for sustainable wages and also aligning contract expiration dates across all Alliance contracts.

It's time to raise our voices and let Kaiser know we are united in our collective power.

Both the local and the national contracts have expired. We are asking you and your coworkers to fill out a card letting us know what you can do to help. If you or a coworker needs a card, contact a steward or JJ Benson (425) 306-1357.

Q & A:

What can we do to help? Fill out a card and be ready for next steps.

Has our contract expired? Yes, both the local Pro Tech Optical and the National Alliance Agreement expired this week.

Is striking an option? Yes. Pro Tech Optical Union members can vote to authorize a strike. At this time no strike votes have been scheduled here.

If I check the box on the card saying I am willing to strike, is that a vote to strike? No. The card is to determine your interest in participating. You will be notified if and when a strike authorization vote is happening and have the opportunity to vote.

Are other Alliance Unions voting to authorize a strike? Yes, some Alliance Unions have already voted to authorize a strike, including a different union in Oregon, which represents union members in Vancouver, Washington.

Start the dialogue. Talk to your coworkers about the importance of standing together for our contract!

Kaiser Permanente Pro Tech Optical - Bargaining Update

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We are negotiating with KP management for both a new National Agreement and a Local Contract for Pro Tech Optical workers. Our bargaining team has met several times with management to find common interests that will ultimately lead to strong and enforceable agreements.

Nationally we are focused on sustainable wages and benefits for all employees at KP, as well as finding solutions to ongoing staffing problems, challenges working in partnership, and the future of AI and how it might change our jobs and the way we do business.

Locally we are negotiating for:

  • Market wages and premiums (to keep us competitive with other professional, technical, and optical workers in Washington State.)

  • Improvements to the rebid and restructure language to make it simpler and more equitable.

  • Process improvements for travel groups and floating between work locations.

  • Recognition of all positions in the contract including any new positions.

We have discussed Specialty Certification Pay, how changes can be made to the list of certifications, and how people can access it. This is important because there are a number of jobs that qualify for Certification Pay but people either do not know about the pay or have difficulty accessing it.

We have an Education Committee that reviews all certifications and makes sure the list of certifications is updated and consistently applied. It is critical that we meet regularly with management to make sure this happens. Management has proposed eliminating this committee, but we know it rewards workers who take the time to upgrade their skills and provides additional compensation. They have also proposed getting rid of the Joint Labor Management Committee, which is critical to our ability to have ongoing communication with management, so they know what the issues are that we deal with every day and can work with us to change the things that just don't work.

We have let management know that we want a better KP and eliminating employee input and partnership is not the direction we need to go.

We are bargaining both the National Agreement and our Pro Tech Optical Agreement this week and will keep you posted on progress.

For additional information, contact a bargaining team member.

If someone you know isn't getting updates: Update Your Information >>

Bargaining Team: Nicole Merriam, Sarah Lau, Ashleigh Aufort, Chandra Allen, Vicki Kobeski, Juli Bell, Bryana Kolppa

Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy Meet the Bargaining Team

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JJ Benson, Pharmacy Tech

I believe everyone has a voice and being on the bargaining team allows me to advocate for them and ensure their voices are heard.
 
In my spare time, I run a Facebook group to create and send greeting cards to people who live in assisted living facilities for every holiday and birthday. We send cards to over 800 people. Fun fact: in 2011, I auditioned for the X Factor and made it to the second round.

Cesar Galloso, Infusion Pharmacy Tech

Certain contract language is being used against us and this should not happen. We want a fair contract and I am dedicated to making sure all staff and our department are protected from these becoming "new" precedents.
 
I love spending time with family — taking my son to Seattle Thunderbirds hockey games and going to outdoor concerts. Foo Fighters at the Gorge with the sunset behind and seeing Carlos Santana with my parents at the White River Amphitheatre are memories I’ll never forget.

Krystal Krotzer, Pharmacy Tech Spokane

I joined the bargaining team to ensure we get the best possible contract we can.
 
I'm a single mom of a beautiful daughter and for many years I worked with a nonprofit organization. I love to travel and one of my favorite places in the world is my grandparents' farm in Saskatchewan.

Jason Lindquist, Pharmacist

I am on the bargaining team to fight for better wages, better staffing, and a better working environment.
 
I like getting together with friends to play board games. Our current favorites are all world-building: Orleans, Viticulture, and Grand Austria Hotel.  As a kid, my favorite game was Uncle Wiggily. 

Kay Halverson, Pharmacist

I care deeply about supporting my coworkers and making sure our voices are heard. I believe in standing up for fair working conditions, mutual respect, employees’ well-being and I’m committed to helping create a workplace where everyone feels valued. 
 
I’ve been a pharmacist for 30 years, I have four children and three grandchildren…and goats, chickens, cats, and dogs. My favorite book is Les Miserables and when I’m not skydiving in Snohomish, I love tubing on rivers.

Mark Stewart, Clinical Pharmacist

I am on the bargaining team to fight for fairness within our local contract — regardless of a member's location. I've worked at KPWA/Group Health for the past 31 years and this is my fourth time being on the bargaining team. My ultimate goal is to maintain our current benefits and ideally win at least, if not more, than what other KP regions have.
 
Outside of work (pun intended), I love to hunt elk and fish. Fun fact about me: I live a couple of miles from the house I grew up in.

For additional information reach out to a Bargaining Team Member.

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date! >>

Kaiser Permanente is making decisions that directly impact how we do our jobs and live our lives.

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Kaiser Permanente is making decisions that directly impact how we do our jobs and live our lives.

Kaiser Permanente is making decisions that directly impact how we do our jobs and live our lives. First, there were restrictions on union access to worksites, making it harder for us to support the workers we represent. That move took us by surprise, and we filed a grievance to challenge it. After several conversations and working in partnership we have been able to work through this issue using interest based conversations.

Read More

Kaiser Permanente Pro Tech, Optical, & Pharmacy: Wage Increases Coming Soon!

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Hooray! Wage Increases in Upcoming Paychecks

Kaiser UFCW 3000 membership ratified historic mid-contract wage increases for all members on April 19. Management gave word that those increases have been processed in HRConnect and we anticipate your new wage to be in your next paycheck coming on 6/21/2024.

Please note: The retroactive pay will not be on this same paycheck. The retroactive pay for all hours worked (from the effective date until now) will be coming in either of the the next two pay periods: 7/5/24 or 7/19/24.

The wage increases ranged from 5% to 9% depending on job classification. To understand your new wage, multiply your current wage by 1.05, 1.06, or 1.09:

e.g. $30.00 x 1.05 = $31.50
       $25.60 x 1.09 = $27.90

Please reach out to your Union Representative or Contract Specialist with any questions or concerns!

Contract and rep information:

Know someone who is not getting updates?
Send them to update the contact information we have on file here.

Kaiser Market wage increases ratified!

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MARKET WAGE INCREASES RATIFIED!

KP ProTech/Optical and Pharmacy union members turned out yesterday in record numbers to say YES to increased wages!

After several months of union members pushing back against wage disparities through petitions, a demand letter, hundreds of postcards and using our collective voice, KP agreed to increase wages for UFCW Members.

Wage increases will be effective the beginning of the next full pay period.

Implementation of the wage increases will be in 90-120 days.

KP ProTech/Optical and Pharmacy members should see retro pay within two pay periods following the implementation date.

Congratulations!

Kaiser Permanente WA Pro Tech, Optical, & Pharmacy WAGE INCREASES Online VOTE scheduled

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Our union Bargaining Teams have reached a tentative agreement on mid-contract wage increases and are recommending a yes vote!

ONLINE VOTE SCHEDULED: Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 7am-5pm

On Thursday morning you will receive an email with your unique log-in credentials so you can review the wage increase proposal and vote. You must be a member in good standing to be eligible to participate in union votes, make sure your personal email is up-to-date use the QR code or visit ufcw3000.org >>

ONLINE INFORMATION MEETINGS:

Drop-in vote meetings to review the wage increase proposal and ask questions: Monday, April 15 from 5:30pm-6:30pm and Tuesday, April 16 from 12pm-1pm and 5:30pm-6:30pm

If you do not receive an email to vote on April 18, please contact union Rep Lauren VanWormer 206-436-6584 or Contract Specialist Rep JJ Benson 425-306-1357.

KAISER PRO TECH/OPTICAL & PHARMACY TAKING ACTION GETS RESULTS, TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ON WAGE INCREASES!

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“Together we showed how strong we are as a Union and what we can accomplish when we come together!” —Jeannette (JJ) Benson

As KP WA UFCW3000 members, alongside the thousands of workers in the Alliance of Healthcare Unions, we let management know that enough is enough. As a result of your ongoing action over the last two years including petitions, postcards, and, most recently, the demand letter —Management has agreed to market rate adjustments, resulting in wage increases for UFCW members!

On Tuesday, April 2, our union team from Pro Tech Optical and Pharmacy along with Leaders from the Alliance of Healthcare Workers met with Management and successfully negotiated for mid-contract wage increases. These increases will be in addition to the contractual increases ratified in 2021.

Union Members will have an opportunity to review and discuss the tentative wage increases and vote. Additional information with dates and times will be sent soon. All members in good standing are encouraged to vote, make sure your current contact information, including your personal email address are up to date!

Update your information ahead of the vote: ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

“I appreciate giving feedback and seeing something happen as a result.” —Vicki Kobeski

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Vanessa Wixom

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Vanessa Wixom and her daughter enjoy some time outdoors

Vanessa Wixom works as a Pharmacy Tech at the Riverfront location for Kaiser Permanente in Spokane Washington.  Vanessa is a fantastic leader in her workplace, and is always very proactive she and her coworkers have concerns by making sure that their rights as union workers are respected by Kaiser.  Outside of work Vanessa is a mom, loves spending time with her family, and enjoying the outdoors with the gorgeous Northwest scenery in Eastern Washington.  Vanessa’s love for the outdoors has led her to be a volunteer for the local River/Park cleanups in Spokane to make sure that others can enjoy them.  Thank you for all of your hard work Vanessa!

Kaiser Labor Job Positions are open - Apply now!

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KAISER WORKERS, Come work with your Union: Kaiser Permanente Labor Positions NOW OPEN for January 2024!

UFCW3000 and the Alliance of Healthcare Unions, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, invite you to apply to one of two open positions:

  • Contract Specialist – one year term

  • Alliance Partnership Representative (APR) – three year term

Both positions offer great opportunity to learn new skills and spend time doing meaningful work that has a direct impact on Kaiser workplaces.

If selected, you will be released from your current role. In your new role, you will continue to receive the same pay, benefits and seniority accrual, returning to your position after your contractual term.

Applications due by September 15. Both positions start January 2024.

APR JOB DESCRIPTION: Download job description here.
To Apply: please email resume with KPWA APR Position in the subject line to: cmacphail@ufcw3000.org, lvanwormer@ufcw3000.org, betelhem.michael@ahcunions.org, becky.t.peterson@kp.org 

CONTRACT SPECIALIST JOB DESCIPTION: Download job description here.
To apply: Please fill out CONTRACT SPECIALIST Application here

Kaiser Pro-Tech & Optical - Online Vote on NEW CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE!

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Kaiser Pro-Tech & Optical - Online Vote on NEW CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE!

After lengthy negotiations, UFCW and Kaiser have agreed to change the contract expiry date from April 30, 2025 to October 1, 2025. This new expire date lines up with the National Alliance Agreement! This change is fully recommended by members of the Bargaining Team!

The full proposal language will be made available during the online vote on August 30, 2022 from 5am–5pm .

You will receive an email from UFCW 3000 via “SimplyVoting” with your unique login information. All members in good standing are eligible to vote. To vote online make sure your information is up to date!

In order to receive a secure ballot to vote on this contract expiration date change, make sure your personal email is up to date in our records. If you did not receive this announcement via email please visit ufcw21.org/update-your-information to update or scan the QR code with your phone camera ▸

If you do not receive an email to vote on August 30, 2022, please reach out our Union Representative Rhonda Fisher-Ivie at 206-436-6584 to provide an updated email address.

PRE-VOTE INFORMATION MEETING August 29!

Drop in between 9–10am or 7–8pm on August 29. It is important that members attend the Zoom Meeting to review the proposed expiry date change and have your questions answered.