KP-CNA Bargaining Update #40

Today, Kaiser Permanente and the California Nurses Association (CNA) met for the 40th day of contract negotiations.

What Happened

Kaiser Permanente presented a proposal under which nurses hired after 1/1/18 will not receive a Health Retirement Account (HRA) as part of their retiree medical benefit. This proposal does not affect current KP Northern California nurses hired prior to 1/1/18.

The parties continued to discuss the economic priorities they view as critical for reaching agreement on a new contract.

For the Record

Kaiser Permanente is fully committed to continuing to provide excellent retiree health care for our nurses. In addition to KP’s monthly contribution to retiree health premiums, current nurses are eligible to receive a Health Retirement Account (HRA) of $6,200 upon retirement. The retiree will receive the HRA if at some point in the future his or her contribution to the monthly retiree health premium exceeds $80.

Our proposal would affect only nurses hired after 1/1/18 and will help make it possible for Kaiser Permanente to keep providing excellent benefits into the future, and protect our ability to remain affordable for our members.

There is one scheduled negotiation session left. The union indicated it would bring responses on Tuesday to proposals that remain open. We will continue to bargain in good faith to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

What Happens Next

Bargaining is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Jan. 30. We will continue to keep you informed.