Kaiser Bargaining Update
Local 5 members packed the latest negotiations meeting between Local 5 and Kaiser Permanente.
On Wed Feb 18, Kaiser and Local 5 held another negotiation session. After a 6-day strike, spirits were high and there was an awesome, rejuvenated energy in the room. Our brothers and sisters from the Hotels pledged to join us in our campaign against Kaiser.
We made a proposal regarding workload and how it affects patient care. Then community members, including teachers, UH students, and the Chair of the Labor Caucus for the Democratic Party gave very moving testimony about how Kaiser has a responsibility to take care of workers and the people of Hawaii if it intends to be a part of our community.
After a lengthy caucus, Kaiser came back and gave an insulting counter proposal: first, it reemphasized its proposal to take away guaranteed pensions from new hires, just at a later date. Then, it tried to bribe us with $1200 instead of the retro pay Kaiser owes us.
Shame on you, Kaiser! We are not 2nd class and Kaiser needs to respect us.
We will start the next phase of our campaign to help Kaiser realize that taking care of its workers and its patients is a priority if it is going to succeed in Hawaii. Please contact your organizer and get involved. Together we will win!
Read our official statement here.
