New NUHW contract ratified

Kaiser Permanente announced today that the National Union of Healthcare Workers has ratified a new 4-year agreement covering approximately 2,400 mental health and addiction medicine employees in Southern California.

The new agreement supports our employees while ensuring Kaiser Permanente’s members and patients will continue to have timely access to the exceptional, high-quality mental health care they deserve.

Agreement highlights

The new 4-year agreement includes:

• Across-the-board wage increases in each year of the agreement — 5.5% at ratification (prospectively); 5.5% in 2025; 5% in 2026; and 4% in 2027
• Language formally added to the contract that guarantees 5 hours, with allocation up to 7 hours, for activities such as planning, preparation, coordination, and administrative work
• Conversion of the defined contribution plan to a cash balance retirement plan, effective January 1, 2027, for employees hired on or after January 1, 2015. This plan design features a 6% employer contribution, immediate vesting, and a guaranteed 6% minimum payout at separation or upon retirement.

In addition, this agreement allows Kaiser Permanente to implement changes to our model of behavioral health care to meet the needs and expectations of our patients now and in the future. This includes expanding our contracted external network of mental health care providers to ensure our members and patients continue to have timely access to the mental health care they need.

This agreement reflects Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to be a best place to work and receive care. We are pleased to reach this agreement that benefits Kaiser Permanente’s employees, members, and patients.