Bargaining update: August 15, 2024

Entering our third day of bargaining, Kaiser management owed us responses to 18 of the 23 non-economic proposals we had given them on Day 1. They had a response to two of our proposals:

• They agree to add ADAPT to the list of facilities covered in the event of a lay-off.
• They agree to update the job descriptions in Appendix A to reflect current requirements.

Management said, “We’re still considering” nine of our proposals, including one allowing for more opportunities for alternative work schedules. And, without providing any explanation, they simply said “We’re not interested” in seven of our proposals, which include language that:

• Would require the Employer to get input from providers before introducing new technology, including AI, and to bargain with the union over any impacts.
• Would limit future subcontracting and increase internal staff to ensure more patients get the best quality, integrated care.
• Would establish more robust Professional Practice Committees to cover each of the following areas: Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, Social Services, Home Care Services, Psychiatric Nursing Practice and Psychologist Practice.

Prior to hearing these disappointing responses to our proposals, management asked additional questions about our Patient Management Time proposal. Many of the questions appeared to be an attempt to delay.  We made it abundantly clear that our very simple ask is for more time to perform the tasks and duties that are needed to treat our patients effectively and ethically without causing burnout.

Several of us reminded them that along with wages and retirement benefits, this is a top priority for us, and one we are willing to strike over. One of our committee members in ADAPT described a typical workday as a Kaiser clinician. As she put it:

For clinicians to survive the day we are doing 20 min sessions. This is not therapy, this is not good for the patients and it is not good for us. We are all ready to strike!

We think management got the message and are hopeful they will start making some movement at our next bargaining session next Tuesday.

All members invited to attend bargaining

As a reminder, our bargaining sessions are open to all members. The more of us who attend, the stronger our message to Kaiser. Upcoming bargaining dates are August 20, August 29, September 4, September 16 and September 24. All of these will be virtual sessions, except the last is TBD and may be in person.  You can RSVP here for any of the sessions. To show solidarity, wear something red when you come.