Unions representing 85,000 health care workers reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser Permanente after a strike for wages, better conditions and benefits following the health crisis caused by the pandemic. The decision was announced by the health consortium.

"Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions are pleased to jointly announce that in the early hours of October 13, 2023, we reached a tentative agreement for a renewed national agreement, bringing the nearly 7 months of contract negotiations to a conclusion," Kaiser Permanente wrote in a statement.

New Agreement With the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions _ Kaiser Permanente by Williams Perdomo on Scribd

"The new 4-year agreement will offer Coalition-represented employees competitive wages, excellent benefits, generous retirement income plans, and valuable job training opportunities that support their economic well-being, advance our shared mission, and keep Kaiser Permanente a best place to work and receive care," the statement added.

The agreement 'increases investments in professional development'

The agreement establishes new minimum wages for three years for employees represented by the union coalition that will reach $25/hour in California and $23/hour in other states where the health company operates. Additionally, it provides guaranteed salary increases totaling 21% over 4 years.

The agreement "increases investments in professional development and job training, and includes other initiatives to help address the staffing crisis in health care," the company detailed.

It was finally learned that the provisional agreement will be sent to Kaiser Permanente employees who are represented by the coalition for ratification. The ratification process will begin on Oct. 18.