"The alliance in May proposed a 38% wage increase over four years, though it has since lowered its ask to 25%. Kaiser's most recent offer includes a 21.5% raise over four years, which it said builds on an already competitive pay scale. The proposal would improve health plans and retiree benefits for employees, according to Lionel Sims, the vice president of human resources for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California."
"But union leaders say Kaiser's offer does not sufficiently compensate for the much smaller raises workers agreed to during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Kaiser said it was struggling financially. At the same time, Kaiser negotiated higher raises with other unions, according to Brian Mason, the representation director for one of the striking unions, the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals."
The Alliance of Healthcare Unions initially proposed a 38% wage increase over four years and later revised its demand to 25%. Kaiser offered a 21.5% raise over four years, stating the proposal builds on an already competitive pay scale and would improve health plans and retiree benefits, according to Lionel Sims. Union leaders contend the offer fails to make up for smaller raises accepted during the COVID-19 pandemic and note Kaiser negotiated higher increases with other unions, according to Brian Mason. UNAC/UHCP represents about 31,000 healthcare professionals seeking larger pay bumps. Unions warn some groups could face cuts to benefits and pensions and that inadequate compensation will perpetuate staffing shortages across inpatient and outpatient services.
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