Kaiser National Agreement Overwhelmingly Ratified – July 7, 2010

July 2010

The votes are in and the results are clear: the Kaiser National Agreement was overwhelmingly ratified by UNAC members. Ballots were mailed the week of June 28, and voting was complete the week of July 6.

The new Agreement provides for 3.5% across-the-board wage increases on October 1 of 2010 and 2011 for UNAC/UHCP-represented RNs, NPs and PAs; an improved wage grid for ODs effective October 1, 2010 and a 3% ATB on October 1, 2011; an enhanced sick leave cash-out option; maintenance of all current benefits; stable funding for workforce development trust funds; and strengthening the Labor Management Partnership, the 13-year agreement under which three national contracts have been bargained using interest-based negotiations.

"The new National Agreement demonstrates that, when the parties stay in the room, speak frankly, respect others and listen to each other, good work happens," said Ken Deitz, RN, UNAC/UHCP Executive Vice President.

The Agreement is the result of many hours of meetings, brainstorming, and caucusing conducted by a 111-member negotiating committee. Similar to the two previous National Agreements, this one also set precedents. "We are proud that, for the first time, we attained one national wage standard for wage increases," said Kathy Sackman, RN, UNAC/UHCP President.