Frequently asked questions about bargaining

The national bargaining team is known as the Common Issues Committee. It is made up of Kaiser Permanente leaders, managers, Human Resources and Labor Relations representatives, employees represented by Alliance unions, and representatives from the Alliance and Alliance unions.

The Common Issues Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving proposals from smaller subgroups during national bargaining.

Observers watch and learn about bargaining processes. Observers are Kaiser Permanente employees who are members of an Alliance union. They are selected by, and represent, their local union. They share what they learn with their co-workers.

For example, observers may attend meetings of the subgroups and Common Issues Committee. They may also take part in labor caucuses during bargaining sessions.

Collective bargaining is the process labor unions and employers follow to negotiate terms of employment like pay, benefits, hours, and working conditions. When an agreement is reached, it becomes a union contract which both sides sign to make legally binding. The union negotiates on behalf of the employees it represents.

Interest-based bargaining is a process through which management and labor try to find optimal solutions to matters of importance to both, for example, optimizing staffing. First, they identify and seek to understand each other’s interests relative to the matter – what interests (or concerns) of both sides would a successful solution address? Then they look for creative ways to find a solution that addresses both sides’ interests. This approach has led to better outcomes and better working relationships, and support for the national agreement.

Interest-based bargaining:

• Allows full discussion of difficult or complex issues
• Encourages creative solutions
• Reduces confrontations
• Ensures everyone supports the results.
• Builds closer working relationships

A consensus is reached when everyone:

• Has been heard
• Understands the solution
• Can live with the solution
• Will actively support the solution