UNITE HERE Local 5 ratifies new contract with Kaiser Permanente

2015-10-13 19.22.05-1HONOLULU — October 20, 2015 — After three years of contract bargaining, Kaiser Permanente employees represented by UNITE HERE! Local 5 voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new three-year collective bargaining agreement that covers 1,900 employees at 22 facilities throughout Hawaii. The agreement retains full pension coverage with no cuts to benefits, provides excellent pay increases, adds significant new benefits, preserves options on medical coverage for both active and retired workers, and provides us the opportunity to work in partnership.

“We’re pleased to reach a fair agreement with Local 5 on behalf our employees,” said Jean Melnikoff, vice president of Human Resources. “This agreement helps Kaiser Permanente to remain sustainable in the long-term and stay affordable for our members and customers. It also ensures that our employees will continue to receive highly competitive wages and benefits so that we can attract and retain the best people to care for our members and patients.”

“After a difficult three-year contract dispute, both union members and the management team are highly motivated to work together and resolve issues,” said Eric Gill, the head of Local 5.  “All of us care deeply about providing the quality care our patients need, and this will help us work more effectively together to achieve that goal.”

For the latest updates on negotiations, please visit kpinhawaii.org/labor.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has provided total health to the people of Hawaii for more than 50 years with physicians who are members of the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty physician group practice in the state of Hawaii. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. Visit kp.org for additional information. Become a fan of good health with Kaiser Permanente Hawaii: Like our page at Facebook.com/KPHawaii and follow @KPHawaii on Twitter.

About UNITE HERE! Local 5

Local 5 represents approximately 10,000 workers throughout Hawaii who work in the hospitality, health care and food service industries and is an affiliate of UNITE HERE, an international union that represents over 250,000 workers throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.unitehere5.org.

# # #

kp.org