The three-year tentative agreement, announced Feb. 16, covers 50 Kaiser Permanente psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses and chemical dependency counselors represented by NUHW in Hawaii. Workers must still approve the deal, and details of the agreement will be available after a ratification vote, the union said. Therapists are slated to return to work on Feb. 21, and picket lines were halted as of Feb. 16.
Union members began an open-ended strike in Hawaii on Aug. 29. Since then, NUHW members in Northern California approved a four-year contract with Kaiser to end their strike. Members of the California Nurses Association at 21 Northern California Kaiser Permanente facilities have also approved a new contract. Additionally, in late 2021, workers represented by local unions nationwide approved a contract with Kaiser. The Hawaii strike that recently ended lasted more than 170 days.
“Kaiser Permanente has the deepest appreciation and gratitude for our mental health professionals and the extraordinary care they provide to our members so we are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with NUHW,” Kaiser said in a statement. “Our mental health staff represented by NUHW will now vote on the new agreement and we look forward to hearing from the union regarding ratifications status.”
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.