KP-NUHW Bargaining Update, Aug. 10, 2022

Yesterday in bargaining with NUHW, discussions were in-depth, centering first on reviewing every open issue, and then transitioning to focus on Indirect Patient Care (IPC) time and other elements of Article 28 — Job Duties & Workload Distribution. We continue to work diligently and in good faith to reach an agreement that is good for our mental health therapists, and allows us to continue providing high-quality care and meet our obligations to our patients.

We look forward to our next session with NUHW, which is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 12, and we hope that with concerted effort from both sides, we will be able to bring negotiations to closure without a strike. That said, we understand your union is asking you to give up your income and your patients for an indeterminant period of time, and that this is a serious decision for you. While we respect your right to strike, we hope that you will decide instead to come to work to continue supporting your patients and colleagues who need you. Throughout bargaining, KP has listened to your priorities as communicated by your union representatives and has taken action by modifying our proposals in order to reach agreement. It doesn’t make sense to strike and potentially disrupt our patients’ care when progress is being made. Moreover, a strike will not result in an agreement — only active and productive bargaining will, and we continue to engage with NUHW in discussions aimed at reaching solutions that will bring negotiations to a close.

Thank you for all you do. As we continue to work toward achieving an agreement in bargaining, we are ever mindful of our gratitude for the excellent care you provide and the passion with which you approach your calling.

We will continue to keep you informed.