Kaiser Permanente Washington - Bargaining Update

We are waiting for Kaiser management to get back to the table. Both parties have a legal obligation to bargain in good faith. The Alliance sent a letter to Greg Adams requesting that management return to bargaining.

Read the Letter to Greg Adams >>

We Still Have Big Unresolved Contract Issues

• Wages and Retro Pay (currently Kaiser has not agreed to retroactive pay)

• Contract Alignment (although we bargain at the same time, many contracts including the KPWA Pharmacy contract have different expiration dates)

• Staffing (staffing in partnership continues to be a challenge)

Our Washington Pharmacy and Pro Tech Optical contracts are still not finished. Management seems to believe that KPWA pharmacists should be paid the same as retail pharmacists.

We have newly accreted job classifications for Pro Tech Optical that should be included in the contract, but management wants to postpone.

Our Bargaining Teams are committed to resolving our differences and finalizing these agreements.

What Can We Do to Move This Along?

We need to send a strong message to management that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Come to our Contract Action Team Meeting where we will discuss next steps.

Contract Action Team Meeting

Wednesday, January 21
6pm

For additional information contact a Bargaining Team member or Aisha Womack Union Rep 206-436-6584 and JJ Benson Contract Specialist 425-306-1357

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

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

Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy - Bargaining Update

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!

KAISER—FOLLOW THE VALUE COMPASS. BE THE BEST PLACE TO WORK

For additional information contact a Bargaining Team member or:

Aisha Womack Union Rep 206-436-6584

JJ Benson Contract Specialist 425-306-1357

Lenaya Wilhelm Union Rep Spokane 509-340-7369

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

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

Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy - Bargaining Update

We are negotiating with management for both a new National Agreement and a Local Contract for Pharmacy workers. Our bargaining team has met multiple 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 continuing to push for equitable market adjustments for all Pharmacy workers at KPWA in addition to the national wage increases. We are trying to raise wages so that we are competitive to other employers in Washington.

We are also fighting for:

• Effective staffing conditions. We have created a new staffing concern form that can be submitted to address staffing issues.

• Fair mileage and paid travel time when floating.

• Wage equity for Eastern Washington Pharmacy Technicians.

• Parameters for internal transfers for employees changing locations.

• Infusion Tech designation.

We are bargaining for both the National Agreement and our Pharmacy Contract this week and will keep you posted on our progress.

For additional information, contact a bargaining team member.

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

Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy Meet the Bargaining Team

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 Contract Act Team Meeting

CONTRACT UPDATE MEETING 

We are negotiating a new contract!  

Let’s get together and talk about the ongoing issues at Kaiser Permanente. Get an update on Local and National bargaining and find out what we can do together to create real change for us all.  

Tuesday June 17 6:00 pm 
Renton King County Library 100 Mill Avenue South, Renton, 98057 

For additional information contact your Union Representative, Aisha Womack 206-436-6584 or KP Contract Specialist JJ Benson 425-306-1357

Kaiser Permanente - We're Bargaining for a New Contract!

Our amazing bargaining team has begun negotiations for a new contract. There's a lot to talk about since KP recently decided to restructure and rebid several positions. We understand that KPWA has been facing challenges. We hope management will partner with us in creating contract language that will be sustainable for retention and recruitment of great employees.

Thanks to all our coworkers for filling out surveys!

Having reviewed the results of surveys, we have been working directly with management to thoroughly explain what's important to KP employees.

We know that compensation, staffing, and working conditions are at the top of everyone's list and we are developing proposals and contract language that gets to the heart of the problems we face every day.

Our first bargaining sessions have been centered on the processes we use when there needs to be operational adjustments (like rebids).

We have several bargaining sessions planned to address all these concerns with management.

As a reminder, we bargain over local contract language like seniority, layoff and restructure, hours of work and schedules, as well as local economics such as premiums and differentials. At national bargaining, we will talk about wages, health benefits, and all the things that live in the National Agreement.

Next Bargaining Session: Wednesday, May 14

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

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

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:

• Pro-Tech & Optical

• Pharmacy Contract & Rep

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

Kaiser Market wage increases ratified!

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

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!

“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

Kaiser Permanente - PSP Victory!

Kaiser Permanente
PSP Victory!

As an Alliance, we pushed Kaiser to give higher PSPs and when we fight, we win.

For the Washington region, a full-time employee (having worked 1,800 hours) will receive $2,000 in your Performance Sharing Plan (PSP) bonus this year!

In 2023, we crushed the Affordability and Safety goals, yet didn’t meet the Quality and Service goals. With these PSP results and our region not meeting the financial gate, KP was only contractually obligated to pay each full-time member ~$750.

Yet we all know the region’s finances are not the fault of UFCW3000 members. With our below market wages, putting more money into PSP bonuses is the least KP can do. And because of our Wage Up! Staff Up! Partner Up! Campaign alongside our Affordability savings, KP said they’d pay $1,500 in our PSP bonus.

We responded to their $1,500 and said that’s not enough, and because we stood united and were quick to mobilize, we won more.

Washington, Colorado, and Mid-Atlantic regions—all regions that did not meet the financial gate—will be receiving $2,000.00 per member* which is over $5 million moved from Kaiser’s pockets and into those of its workers!

*If not a full-time, employee this amount with be pro-rated based on the number of hours worked last year

What to expect:

• March 15 paycheck: $1500 check (minus taxes)

• March 29 paycheck: $500 check (minus taxes)

For now, we celebrate our work to hold Kaiser accountable in doing the right thing, yet we know this doesn’t do what is needed: fix understaffing or raise wages.

Take action! Follow the links in the text below to:

>> Push Management for wage increases by signing our demand letter. >>

>> Organize our workplaces by attending steward training. >>

QUESTIONS? Reach out to Union Rep Lauren VanWormer @ 206-436-6584.

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Vanessa Wixom

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!