SCNSC and KPMWON Ratify Their First Contracts

October 2012

It’s been a long road to a first contract for the members of the two newest UNAC/UHCP Kaiser affiliates, the Specialty Care Nurses of Southern California (SCNSC), made up of Case Managers and Patient Educators; and the Kaiser Permanente Midwives and Wound Ostomy Nurses (KPMWON).

But when the votes were counted on August 3, SCNSC voted by 96% to approve their contract, and 83% of KPMWON members who attended a ratification meeting voted to approve theirs.

Both groups bargained for months to win strong contracts that protect their retirement and health benefits; recognize longevity by winning or strengthening their wage grids; address issues specific to their professions and facilities; ensure a voice in patient care; and bring them into the 95,000 member-strong Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, along with our other UNAC/UHCP Kaiser affiliates—and thus under the recently-ratified Kaiser National Agreement.

Because these are first contracts, SCNSC and KPMWON have more to do to build their affiliates, including adopting their respective constitutions and electing affiliate officers.