BARGAINING UPDATE
January 24, 2025
Renewed contract discussions progress
New tentative agreement reached, and Kaiser Permanente enhances wage increase offer at January 23 bargaining session.
Kaiser Permanente and NUHW met on January 23 to continue contract discussions. This meeting marks the 22nd bargaining session.
We remain focused on working productively to reach a new agreement that will recognize the valued contributions of our mental health professionals, while ensuring our members have timely access to high-quality, affordable mental health care.
Kaiser Permanente and NUHW reached a new tentative agreement — our 16th — on adding longevity steps to the wage scale following 20 and 25 years of service. We also proposed a tentative agreement on education leave.
Kaiser Permanente enhanced our offer for across-the-board wage increases from 18% to 19%, by raising the percentage increase by ½ of 1%. On average, the majority of our NUHW-represented employees in Southern California are currently paid approximately 18% above market. Our new offer would increase our future above-market position even more.
Recognizing the importance of the time therapists need for planning, preparation, coordination, and administrative work, our discussions related to this non-direct patient care time are continuing with consideration for meeting our members’ needs for appointment access.
We are making progress and will continue to bargain meaningfully with NUHW to create equitable and sustainable solutions for our remaining differences. Any agreement must allow Kaiser Permanente to retain and attract the high-quality, talented professionals required to meet the needs of our members and at the same time, ensure we can continue delivering our high- quality care affordably over the long term for our members.
Our next bargaining sessions are scheduled for January 29 and February 6.
