It’s an Uphill Battle, But We’re Gaining Traction
We met with Kaiser Permanente on Friday, August 1 for continued bargaining on our Kaiser Pharmacy contract. We stood strong on the principles that matter most, and made sure Kaiser heard us loud and clear.
We had several robust conversations in which management listened to the importance of how significant life events may impact our ability to commit to new roles. We also explored the option of utilizing mediation within the grievance procedure as a way to discuss and resolve issues prior to escalating to the arbitration process.
Kaiser continues to want to discuss on-call and temporary agency workers. We refuse to allow the company to explore ideas that could erode our part-time and full-time benefited positions and jeopardize the quality of care our patients receive. Additionally, we expressed our opposition to the company’s interests in limiting the flexibility we have once we begin or transfer into a position.
We were in alignment on some issues and far apart on others. Despite our efforts to have interest-based conversations, we were met with resistance at the end of the day when the employer rejected several of our proposals.
This session was frustrating, to say the least. It seems that Kaiser is losing sight of the interest-based process and is not willing to consider our point of view. However, we know the battle is not over yet as we will continue to stay strong so we can achieve the best contract.
We will return to the bargaining table with Kaiser on August 29, 2025, with a federal mediator to facilitate the process.
Get Involved
Don’t forget to join us for the 2025 National Bargaining Virtual Town Halls, happening Thursday, August 7th at 8:30 PM and Friday, August 8th at 7:00 AM (PT).
These quick 30-minute sessions are designed to inform and equip CAT members with:
- Key National Bargaining updates
- Joint messaging for rounding
- Details on upcoming actions
Stay connected with fellow CATs, union leaders, and Alliance members.
Register using the link below:
Thursday, August 7 at 8:30 PM PT
Friday, August 8 at 7:00 AM PT
Follow UFCW Local 135 and Alliance of Healthcare Unions social media accounts to stay up to date.
UFCW Local 135:
Alliance of Healthcare Unions:
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 or Union Representatives.
In Solidarity,
Your UFCW KP Bargaining Committee