Kaiser Permanente officials reiterated Saturday that they’ve made the “strongest proposal” in the company’s history to the union representing lab workers in six Southern California counties, one day after the union said members had voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.
“Our Alliance employees already earn, on average, about 16% more than similar roles at other health care organizations, and in some markets they earn 24% more,” a Kaiser statement said. “Our current proposal builds on that, keeping Kaiser Permanente among the best-paying employers in health care. It includes the strongest compensation package in our national bargaining history: a 21.5% wage increase over the life of the contract, with 16% within the first 2 years. When step increases and local adjustments are factored in, the total average increase is approximately 30% — one of the strongest nursing contract offers in California this year.
“This proposal represents a significant investment — nearly $2 billion in additional payroll costs — while maintaining affordability for our members and customers,” the company’s statement continued.
A strike authorization vote does not necessarily mean there will be a strike. Howver, United Food and Commercial Workers locals representing Kaiser clinical lab scientists and medical lab technicians in Los Angeles, Orange and four other Southern California counties said their members had voted overwhelmingly to authorize their bargaining team to call an unfair labor practice strike.
“This vote sends a strong message to Kaiser: We’ve had enough of their union-busting tactics that undermine workers and silence our voices. They need to stop delaying, stop attempting to divide the Alliance of Healthcare Unions, and get back to negotiating a fair contract,” according to a statement from UFCW Locals 324, 770, and 1428 Bargaining Committee.
The locals also represent Kaiser Permanente health care employees who work as pharmacy assistants, pharmacy technicians, clinical lab scientists, medical lab technicians, and clinical and administrative workers in Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties.
The timing of a potential strike was unclear as of Saturday. The union scheduled “picket captain meetings” in Los Angeles on Jan. 31, and in Kern County on Jan. 30.
“Right now, we’re still assessing the situation and developing the most effective strategy to ensure you get the contract you deserve,” UFCW Local 770 wrote to members on Friday.