It’s Time To Break Out Our Marching Shoes
REGIONAL BARGAINING UPDATE
Tuesday, June 20, marked our fourth session of Regional bargaining with Kaiser management. We only have 4 more dates scheduled before a limited number of unresolved issues can be escalated to the National table. It was disappointing that Kaiser management spent this bargaining session asking frivolous questions—many that were already clear in the proposals we presented or had been answered in other sessions.
The bargaining team left the session frustrated with Kaiser’s lack of urgency to engage in true negotiations that would help with the ongoing staffing crisis and recognition of current employees for their dedication. It begs the question:
Where is your commitment to making this the best place to work, Kaiser?
— In solidarity from your Bargaining Team —
Retention and Recruitment Proposal Summary
What we proposed:
$25 minimum starting wage—over 900 of our co-workers make less than $25 an hour.
Expansion and clarity for 6th and 7th day pay, so you actually get paid correctly for working a consecutive day.
10% wage scale increase for hard to fill positions defined as use of agency in any classification since October 1, 2022, and classifications that have taken greater than 90 days to fill.
All classifications add 2 steps to wage scale at 5% (anniversary steps, different than October raise that is negotiated at the National Table).
Differentials for all who qualify: bilingual, shift, weekend, trainer, longevity up to 30 years.
40 hours of education leave per year plus reimbursement for any license/certificate required for position.
Management’s proposals:
Remove “mutual agreement” language in article for job description, so they can change your job without negotiating with you.
Increase new employee probationary period from 90 days to 180. We cannot file a grievance for a termination during probationary period.
Change geographic areas and build replacement pool out of CORE employees. With this proposal you could be asked to work in Beaverton on Monday and in Rockwood on Tuesday.
Current Geographic Areas: Longview/Kelso, Clark County, West Portland Metro, East Portland Metro, Central Portland Metro, Salem/Eugene
Proposed Geographic Areas: Longview/Kelso, Portland Metro, Eugene/Salem
Decrease 31 day right of return down to 14 days and only be able to use right of return once a year.
The employer made no proposals to improve conditions for current employees; all proposals were the removal of rights and protections you already have and were presented as solutions to our staffing crisis.
This is your contract, and your voice matters!
Please make sure that you sign the petition to support the bargaining team. We have told Kaiser that we represent over 4000 families in these negotiations, and we want to show them that all those families are watching. We plan to deliver the support petition in our next bargaining session July 11. Sign petition here!
Sign up for July Info Pickets! Because we know power concedes nothing without a demand, we need to show Kaiser that we are serious about these negotiations. In July, we will be engaging in solidarity pickets with our Coalition siblings. Sign up here to attend!
Continue to purple up on Tuesdays and Thursdays as a show of solidarity!
Our representatives are at National Bargaining this week, stay tuned for an update!
Join a virtual townhall for a Coalition National bargaining update on June 29.
Sign up for 3pm: www.ckpu.org/june-29-3PT
Sign up for 6pm: www.ckpu.org/june-29-6PT
Please note that a confirmed registration for either session will give you access to both sessions.
Download a virtual background and signature image to show your digital solidarity!
If you have any questions, talk to a Kaiser Bargaining Team member or contact Contract Specialist by emailing KaiserMRC@seiu49.org or calling/texting 503-782-6228.
