An engaging discussion on total compensation

This message was sent to employees represented by the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions.

Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions met July 11 through 13 in Oakland to continue negotiations for a new national agreement. We resumed our thoughtful engagement during this fourth bargaining session and had frank, focused conversations about our total compensation model.

Our discussions continue to focus on staffing issues affecting KP and the entire health care industry — and how our unique Labor Management Partnership can lead to innovative ways to address these challenges.

Four national subcommittees reported success in developing joint recommendations to address issues related to recruitment, hiring, and retention of workers. We are making progress toward our joint goal of hiring 10,000 new Coalition-represented employees in 2023.

These discussions also included the economic challenges affecting our industry, highlighting KP’s total compensation model of market-competitive wages and excellent benefits. Inflation, COVID-19, and other challenges were cited by Coalition-represented employees who shared moving stories about their struggles to make ends meet.

Much of Kaiser Permanente’s focus is to broaden understanding of how each of the markets manages their own expenses, budgets, and growth. This requires partnership in each market to address unique pressures and opportunities. Please watch this short video to learn more.

Moving forward, discussions will focus on Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to excellent pay and benefits for employees, while balancing competitive market challenges.

After a positive closing to the fourth session, management was disappointed when the Coalition delivered several dozen 10-day picket notices at various Kaiser Permanente locations.

These actions take time and focus away from our true priorities — caring for our members and patients and arriving at a fair and balanced labor agreement. They are also premature as the parties have agreed to start exchanging formal bargaining proposals in August.

We look forward to continuing our productive dialogue as we work in partnership to find the balance that allows the organization to remain competitive and grow, sustains our position as the best place to work and receive care, and enables us to meet our mission by providing affordable, high-quality care to our members and communities.

Thank you for your commitment to our patients, members, and each other.

Our next bargaining session is scheduled for August 1 through 3. You can find updates at kp.org/labor.