May 31 Bargaining Update

We’re making progress, but we’re still far apart on our top concerns.

As our third round of bargaining concluded on May 30, it’s clear that Kaiser management is still intent on pushing through takeaways that are unacceptable to SEIU 49 members.

We want:	Management wants:
To keep our $5 copays and affordable healthcare benefits To keep our retirement benefits and the pensions that we’ve earned Good raises that reflect the value of our work and allow us care for ourselves and our families, more than 2% per year	To make us pay more for healthcare and raise our co-pays to $20 To take away our pensions and eliminate the subsidy for retiree medical benefits To lower wages for regions outside of California; according to management, we’re already overpaid!

What happened during Round 3 bargaining?

In our three subgroups—“Workforce of the Future”, “Operational Effectiveness and Quality Care” and “Rebuilding and Renewing our Partnership”—we worked to have real conversation with management about our priorities in bargaining, and to see where our Coalition and management have common ground. We expect to have updates on non-economic proposals after our next bargaining session, but we have yet to receive an economic proposal from Kaiser management that addresses our primary concerns.

Our bargaining team is also working to address issues specific to Local 49 members in the Northwest to recruit, retain and reward the best quality staff and improve our union strength.

Mark your calendar for upcoming key dates:

June 18 – 19: National Bargaining
June 28: Rally at Sunnyside campus – RSVP here
July 10: Rally at Interstate campus – RSVP here

What’s next?

Sign our strike pledge by June 28 to show your support for taking bold action if we don’t get to an agreement!
RSVP for upcoming rallies. We need everyone to show up and stand united to show management that we’re sticking together for a great contract!
Join our Kaiser Strong Facebook group at to join our conversation and stay involved.