We’re Finally Getting All of Our Interests Out on the Table
We met with Kaiser today to bargain on our CLS/MLT contract, where we talked about potential compensation for high complexity testing, the integration of classification seniority for vacation bidding, and updating bereavement leave policies. We also spent time discussing options to streamline our grievance procedure, including a mediation step that will provide more guidance before escalating to arbitration.
We received more proposals from management that will require more discussions before our next session. They proposed adverse changes to our bereavement leave benefits that prevent us from having valuable time with our families during times of loss. However, the other proposals may advance our partnership interests and we look forward to exploring them further.
We do have good news. National Bargaining occurred June 3-5, and we reached Tentative Agreements with Kaiser on key retiree and pension benefits:
- Additional retiree medical benefits for our retirees 85 and older
- Increased retiree medical benefits
- Improved pension benefits.
These wins mark incredible progress already, and are the direct result of our members’ unity, action, and ongoing engagement. At national bargaining, we also introduced a full economic proposal with our key priorities, including historic wage increases, standardized healthcare across units, and job protections to prevent outsourcing and keep KP work union work.
We will return to the bargaining table with Kaiser locally on July 2, 2025, to discuss our CLS contract further. Meanwhile, follow UFCW Local 135 and Alliance of Healthcare Unions social media accounts! These platforms host the most up-to-date information on what’s going on at bargaining. Kaiser members can find bargaining updates and other content about the contract there, so make sure you and all of your co-workers keep up to date with the accounts to stay informed.
UFCW Local 135:
- Website: https://ufcw135.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UFCW135
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufcw135
- Threads: https://www.threads.net/ufcw135
- X: https://x.com/ufcw135
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ufcw135
Alliance of Healthcare Unions:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHCUnions/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahcunions
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ahcunions
If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to contact your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives, or Stewards.
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee