OFNHP delivered an on-the-record proposal to Kaiser Permanente with the intent to resolve all outstanding bargaining issues and put into effect hard-fought improvements we’ve already won in local and national bargaining.
Our proposal addresses our key priorities: retro pay, contract alignment, and preservation of all the rights and benefits in our national and local contracts.
This round of bargaining has reminded me of Maya Angelou’s famous advice: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Kaiser has taken the position that they will no longer engage in national bargaining and that all outstanding issues should be addressed at local tables. That position is unlawful under the National Labor Relations Act. The law is clear: employers cannot withdraw from multi-union bargaining in the middle of multi-union bargaining. We have filed Unfair Labor Practice (“ULP”) charges with the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) in coordination with our Alliance siblings.
However, we cannot hold out in the hope that the law will correct Kaiser’s lawless behavior. The federal government has undercut the power of the NLRB to enforce workers’ rights. Even if the NLRB rules in our favor, it could take several more months before a decision is handed down, and then we would still need to get back to the bargaining table to reach complete agreements.
I want to acknowledge that I haven’t been as vocal lately, but your OFNHP officers and bargaining unit leadership have been in constant communication. We have been at the bargaining table with KP over the last few days in close coordination with our Alliance siblings.
We’ve made huge strides in our local contracts and in national bargaining so far. This is the largest economic package in recent memory. Many will get a larger raise by the first or second year than over the entirety of the last four years. Competitive pay and benefits are critical to getting the staffing levels that we need to deliver high-quality patient care. Is it everything we deserve? No, but we are proud of the gains we’ve made.
What I’m most proud of is that we did it together. When we reached agreements on our local contracts in December, your bargaining unit leadership committed to reaching inclusive agreements. We followed through on that commitment, and that is just as true today as it was in December.
We are at a turning point in bargaining. I believe in direct communication, and I don’t sugarcoat the situation.
In previous rounds of bargaining, Kaiser has always made wage increases retroactive for us. Kaiser has held firm in their proposal of no retro pay or any form of ratification bonus for Alliance unions.
Kaiser’s position on retro isn’t about money – it’s about power. Kaiser wants to send a message to all unions inside Kaiser that they are willing to do whatever it takes to prove a point.
The choice we face is not easy. I want to fight longer and harder for what we deserve. At the same time, there is a risk to holding out longer in the hope that we will win retro. Holding out comes at the expense of implementing the wins we’ve already achieved, and there’s no guarantee that further escalation – even with a strike – would change the outcome.
We are working hard to get you the best possible agreement we can. When we reach an agreement, we will hold informational sessions to educate members about what the agreement contains, the decisions that got us to this point, and what it means for our strategy moving forward as One OFNHP.
As with all contracts, there will be wins to celebrate and build on, and lessons to learn from.
We hope to have more news for you in the next few days.
Stay engaged, stay ready, and stay united.
Red up EVERY Tuesday!
In Unity,
Sarina Roher, OFNHP President