KP-CNA Bargaining Update #41

Today, Kaiser Permanente and the California Nurses Association (CNA) met for the 41st day of contract negotiations.

What Happened

The union withdrew four operational proposals it made earlier in bargaining, and rejected KP’s proposal about post-retirement Health Reimbursement Accounts for nurses hired after Jan. 1, 2018. In addition, the union presented a counter proposal regarding the transition to Epic, the new patient acuity classification system.

Today was the last day of scheduled bargaining. To continue to move bargaining forward, Kaiser Permanente offered to bargain next week, to which CNA has not responded.

For the Record

Unfortunately, the union’s counter proposal does not recognize that with the transition to Epic, the supporting committee structure also needs to change. We have proposed to CNA a plan for KP and CNA to work to successfully transition to Epic.

It is disappointing that we have no additional confirmed bargaining dates. Kaiser Permanente leaders and our bargaining team firmly believe that we have not exhausted all avenues to reach an agreement at the table, and we strongly encourage CNA to continue meeting and negotiating with us.

CNA announced it will begin conversations with nurses this evening, which will include the topic of a possible work stoppage in the future. We are perplexed by the union’s actions, given that at today’s bargaining session both CNA and KP expressed a desire to reach agreement on a new contract.

What Happens Next

Kaiser Permanente has informed CNA that we are willing and available to bargain. We have offered an option to CNA and await the union’s response.