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!

Kaiser Continues to Ignore Staffing Crisis & Partnership - KP execs refuse to honor our contributions

Kaiser Continues to Ignore Staffing Crisis & Partnership
KP execs refuse to honor our contributions

For the past year, we’ve called on Kaiser Permanente to partner with us to address the staffing crisis. We’ve told KP management that increasing pay is a key part of fixing the staffing crisis. KP refuses to reopen our contract to address ATB raises to reflect the dramatic change in inflation, the labor market, employee morale, and staffing shortages that have occurred since 2021. KP says they will not make the changes needed to address the current staffing crisis and does not acknowledge how conditions have changed since two years ago. KP’s response does not reflect partnership or a commitment to employees. Kaiser Permanente executives continue to bury their heads in the sand about what our members are experiencing.

At a time when the CDC is calling on healthcare systems like Kaiser Permanente to take immediate steps to address worker burnout, KP refuses to honor our contributions.

In a recent Alliance survey:

• 95% said the staffing crisis is affecting patient care and access.

• 90% said the staffing crisis has increased stress and impacts our mental health.

• Increasing wages and improving working conditions were the top two solutions to address the staffing crisis.

Our survey results showed what many of you already know - the staffing crisis at KP is dire and demands an urgent comprehensive response. And yet Kaiser Permanente refuses to take tangible actions to address the staffing crisis with wage increases and improved working conditions.

We must continue to push KP at the national level and at the front lines to do the right thing and WAGE UP! If we want to be competitive and provide the care and service our patients deserve, KP needs to act now! Join us and call on KP to Wage Up, Staff Up, and Partner Up, today.

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Lump Sum Update

Our Alliance-KP National Agreement calls for a 2% lump sum effective this October, based on earnings in the prior 26 pay periods. As is unfortunately typical of KP’s flawed HR connect system, it is taking KP a long time to calculate the correct payments. KP has told us you should expect to see your lump sum on either November 10 or November 17 depending on the pay period cycle in your region.

The lump sum will be based on actual earnings during the 26 pay periods of the prior contract year, including base pay, overtime pay, differentials, sick and vacation pay, etc. The calculation does not include bonus and benefit payments. It is based on actual earnings, not FTE status, so employees

Kaiser Permanente - PSP and Retention Bonuses

Kaiser Permanente
PSP and Retention Bonuses

You should have received your PSP payout! In the National Alliance Agreement, we won language which guarantees $200 per goal met at TARGET, even when the KP financial gate is not met. In Washington, the PSP payout is between $400 and $600 depending on your 2022 attendance and is broken down like this:

The Five Goals

1. Affordability
   Everyone receives $200

2. Workplace Violence Prevention Training
   Everyone receives $200

3. Quality (DREs)
   Goal not met $0

4. Service (QR codes)
   Goal not met $0

5. Attendance
   If you personally met target for unprotected ill time used in 2022, you received $200

To reach the PSP goal for attendance and receive a $200 payout for 2022, you must have achieved either Target or Stretch:

• Threshold: 2.0% or less of unprotected time taken off $0

• Target: 1.4% or less of unprotected time taken off

• Stretch: 1.16% of unprotected ill time taken

If you reach one of these goals or a number in between, you received one $200 payout for attendance. You will not receive more than one $200 payout if you reach Target or Stretch.

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Note: Unprotected ill time is defined as time off not approved by Management such as an unscheduled absence. Protected sick leave under a federal, state, city, or contractual leave of absence such as PSL, WPFML, Matrix, FMLA, Leave of Absence, etc. is protected.

“Unscheduled time off is considered excessive if it occurs more than 6 times during a year, or more than 3% of the employees work time.”

(See Article 12.02.2 for Pharmacy and Article 13.02 for Pro-Tech/Optical of the UFCW 3000—Kaiser Permanente contract.)

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Retention bonus coming soon!

These bonuses are a result of union members mobilizing and speaking out. Advocacy won the $500 bonus here is Washington State! But this is not enough. We need a comprehensive, long term solution including wage adjustments, training programs and conditions that cause people to quit. While a one-time bonus is a positive step, we know the cure is going to require much more, and we won’t rest until we achieve a full solution for our patients and union members.

For additional information, please reach out to Contract Specialist, Penny Manker @ 425-306-1357 OR Union Rep Lauren Van Wormer (effective Tuesday, March 7) @ 206-436-6584.

CORRECTION: Kaiser Permanente - Vote on new travel group pods

Kaiser Permanente
VOTE ON NEW TRAVEL GROUP PODS

As part of the 2021 contract negotiations, an agreement was made to review the existing travel group pods for the Lab and Radiology departments and make changes to limit unnecessary travel. A group of Union Members and Management met over several months and we have a fully recommended tentative agreement.

The details of the tentative agreement will be available during the online vote on Wednesday, February 22 @ 7am—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 vote on the changes to Travel Group Pods, make sure your personal email is up to date in our records. If you did not receive this announcement via email update your info at: ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

If you do not receive an email to vote on February 22, 2023, please reach out to Union Rep Rhonda Fisher-Ivie to provide an updated email address @ 206-436-6584.

JOIN THE VOTE INFORMATION MEETING ON ZOOM!
Tuesday, February 21
Drop in between 4pm—6pm
Contact Union Rep Rhonda for meeting details

REMEMBER: It is important to attend this Zoom meeting to review the travel group pods and have your questions answered.

Contract Specialist position at Kaiser Permanente accepting applications

**DEADLINE EXTENDED: 10/7/22

We are excited to announce that the deadline for applications to the KP Contract Specialist position has been extended, and is still open to our Union members! If you are interested in this position, please apply no later than 5pm October 7, 2022.

The Contract Specialist is responsible for contract interpretation and education on both the Local Contracts and National Agreement, as well as building Shop Steward capacity and partnership in the LMP program.

This position is paid by Kaiser Permanente but is directly supervised by the Union. The Contract Specialist will work directly with the current UFCW 3000 Staff Representative as well as Employee and Labor Relations Consultants and LMP Manager.

Learn more about the job summary >>

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As our previous Contract Specialist, Christina Delgado, has been instrumental in the development of many Steward Training Programs as well as answering day to day contract questions. Her contributions have been greatly appreciated and she will be missed!

Read her story here.