Contracts & Bargaining
Kerin Asher-Galloway, CNN
Tessa Hartfield, CNM
Pamela Loera, CWOCN
Misty Molina, CNM
Jenny Payne, ICDNP
Zoila Coronado, CNM
Mirna Saavedra, CNM
Rafael Rodriguez, RN, Lead Negotiator
Omar Coreas-Herrera, RN
Cheryl Walker, OT
Join your KPCSP Bargaining Team for a Town Hall immediately after our next local bargaining session.
We will share the latest bargaining updates and you will be able to ask questions.
We will have special guests as well!
Town Hall
🗓️ Tuesday, November 18, 2025
đź•Ł 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Via Teams
Lets show Kaiser our solidarity!
Join us November 18 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Los Angeles for the last day of bargaining (fingers crossed!). Register at www.memberlink.unacuhcp.org.
This week’s final scheduled bargaining session ended in disappointment when management failed to provide a response to our package proposal.
We met with management on Monday, September 22, 2025, to discuss our comprehensive counterproposal. We spent multiple evenings carefully crafting this package, which addresses critical issues related to economics and working conditions, including wage grid adjustments, enhanced overtime pay rates for salaried employees, Per Diem night supplemental pay to ensure fair overtime pay for night shifts, increased Evening Shift Differential, higher Preceptor Pay that includes precepting residents, timely response to incidental time off requests, and improved access to ESL after 24 hours worked.
On Tuesday, we were joined by UNAC/UHCP Directors Jane Carter and Mandy Hartz, who were fully prepared to discuss the proposal in detail with Kaiser management. Our interaction with management was brief and centered on answering their questions. We waited all day for a counterproposal from Kaiser in hopes of closing bargaining. Unfortunately, Kaiser was not prepared to provide a counterproposal.
Tuesday was the final scheduled KPCSP local bargaining date with Kaiser management. It was extremely disappointing that after months of bargaining, we did not receive a counterproposal. At this time, dates to continue the bargaining process have not been set.
What’s Next?
We remain committed to pursuing all available avenues to achieve a fair agreement. It is critical that we stay strong and united. We urge members to attend the September 30, 2025, KP National Bargaining Session. Let’s show up in a wave of UNAC/UHCP blue to show management we are ready to fight for the contract we deserve.
What: Last Scheduled Day of KP National Bargaining
When: September 30, 2025
Where: InterContinental San Diego, 901 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 91201
Register: www.unacuhcp.org/sept30
We met with management on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, working late into the evening reviewing management’s package of counterproposals and preparing our response. Monday night’s KPCSP Town Hall had record attendance, demonstrating our members’ readiness and commitment.
In order to have a stronger voice for our patients and our profession, we recommend that you vote yes in the strike authorization vote. We must have every tool available to win a fair contract, up to and including a strike, if necessary.
Strike Authorization Vote
Show Kaiser that we are ready. The higher the turnout, the stronger our message.
Voting is currently open and closes on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
If you did not receive a voting link in your email or by text, reach out to the Member Action Resource Center (MARC) at 1-877-506-4554. During the voting period, MARC is hosting extended hours and is open until 8 p.m.
Have questions? Join the last UNAC/UHCP Strike Authorization Town Hall on 9/18 at 7:30 p.m. Register at https://unacuhcp.org/ready/.
We met with management on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, with five observers present. We rejected management’s counteroffer package proposal regarding Per Diem Work Commitment and Incidental Time Off Response time. Despite this being our last scheduled bargaining day, management failed to present an economic package, even after we waited the entire day. Management has not yet agreed to new bargaining dates.
We are exasperated by Kaiser’s continued delays. We will continue to push for a fair contract that reflects our value, recognizes our commitment to quality patient care, and ensures optimal working conditions.
Take Action
Our contract expires on September 30, 2025. Now is the time to be ready to take action. Stay updated here: https://unacuhcp.org/ready/.
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, we continued contract negotiations with management. Management submitted a counterproposal on the Per Diem Work Commitment and on the Incidental Time Off Response time, which our KPCSP bargaining team is working on and contemplating whether it adds value to the process.
We presented a proposal on an additional per diem night shift differential, which ensures equitable overtime compensation for CNM per diem employees working night shifts.
We had productive discussions surrounding the remaining proposals and we are still waiting to receive responses to our KPCSP economic proposals.
Take Action
We have a new UNAC/UHCP webpage that features critical actions every member can take right now. Each action you take strengthens our collective voice and moves us closer to the contract we deserve.
Immediate Actions Needed:
• đź“š Sign Up for Virtual Strike School – September 10: Due to overwhelming member response, we’ve added this additional session! Don’t miss this important training.
• ✊ Take the Pledge: Show management our unity and commitment to a fair contract. If you have already taken the pledge, share it with a friend.
Show Up at Bargaining
We urge all members to show up to our last scheduled bargaining date, September 9, 2025 at UNAC/UHCP Headquarters in San Dimas, CA. Come hear management’s response to our economic proposals..
RSVP in Memberlink.
We have reached a critical juncture in our contract negotiations. Kaiser is stalling, refusing to move on proposals that would bring competitive compensation and guarantee our members the benefits they need— Earned Time Off, Earned Sick Leave, and education required to maintain certification in these highly specialized roles.
This lack of progress is more than frustrating—it is a clear signal of disrespect for the unique skills and lifesaving care provided by KPCSP nurses. By dismissing our proposals for fair wages and safe working conditions, Kaiser is sending the message that it does not value the very professionals who keep patients safe and operations running.
Our bargaining team—and every member we represent—will not accept this disregard. We are standing together, united and determined, to win the contract that reflects our worth and secures the future of our profession. Kaiser must come to the table prepared to recognize the value of its specialized nursing workforce—or face the strength of a workforce that refuses to be ignored.
Show Up at Bargaining
We need ALL members to come and observe bargaining in a show of force to support the wages and benefits we deserve!
Our next Local Bargaining Date is Thursday, September 4, 2025 at UNAC/UHCP HQ in San Dimas. Members are welcome to join for any amount of time you can attend. Bargaining takes place between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additionally, sign up to observe National Bargaining, which will take place at the Intercontinental Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. The Labor Caucus meets on September 8 at 6:30 p.m. and bargaining ends on September 12.
RSVP in Memberlink.
On August 18 and August 19, we met with management at the same location as Kaiser National Bargaining so that Kaiser’s leadership could experience our local bargaining table. We reached 3 Tentative Agreements (TAs):
• Gender Neutral Language
• Job Vacancy Postings Notifications
• ACP Exchanged Benefits-Paid Sick Leave
At contract negotiations, KPCSP officers delivered a compelling presentation that showcased the dedication of our members—Certified Nurse Midwives, Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses, Implantable Cardiac Device Nurses, and Clinical Nurse Specialists—and the significant value we bring to caring for KP patients. The presentation was attended by KP Labor Relations leaders. Throughout the two days of bargaining, we were encouraged by the support and feedback from UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine S. Morales, RN, Treasurer Moises Alarcon, RN, Executive Director Joe Guzynski, and Representation Director Mandy Hartz.
We also received management’s counterproposal on Incidental Time Off Requests. Additionally, we discussed CNM Lead language.
Upcoming Bargaining Dates:
We are bargaining this week on Monday, August 25 and Tuesday, August 26 at UNAC/UHCP HQ, San Dimas, CA. Show up at bargaining to demonstrate our unity and power!
RSVP in Memberlink. Bargaining typically begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. and observers may join for any amount of time.
KPCSP: Local Bargaining Update #7We’re excited to share that we reached our first Tentative Agreement this week! Under this agreement, ICDN III members will now have access to participate in the Advanced Practice Committee—a meaningful step forward in elevating the professional voice and influence of our specialty practitioners.
Alongside this achievement, our bargaining team has been working tirelessly to advance proposals that reflect the true value and specialized skills of our members. We presented several critical economic proposals focused on fair wage increases and improved benefits, including:
Holiday Pay
KP-Sponsored Education Days
Preceptor Pay
Shift Differentials
Standby Pay
Wage Increases
Certification Reimbursement Pay
CNM Additional Compensation
Additionally, with strong support from Jane Carter and Richard Leon from the UNAC/UHCP Research Department, our team delivered a powerful message to Kaiser Permanente:Â current compensation does not adequately recognize the scope and expertise of KPCSP professionals.
Meanwhile, management presented three proposals: Two proposals adjusting ACP sick leave benefits to comply with California law and one proposal defining the standard workweek.
Upcoming Bargaining Dates:
As we enter economic negotiations, your presence matters—join us as an observer for any amount of time to hear key discussions and show our united strength.
• July 22 at KP Independence Park, Downey, CA
• July 24 at KP Independence Park, Downey, CA
• August 18 at UNAC/UHCP Headquarters, San Dimas, CA
• August 19 at UNAC/UHCP Headquarters, San Dimas, CA
• August 25 at UNAC/UHCP Headquarters, San Dimas, CA
• August 26 at UNAC/UHCP Headquarters, San Dimas, CA
RSVP in Memberlink. Bargaining typically begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. and observers may join for any amount of time.
We are energized to have started economic discussions. On June 18, we presented a proposal to increase the Qualified Bilingual Staff (QBS) differential. During extensive discussions with management, we emphasized the value that qualified bilingual staff bring to patient care and their positive impact on the overall patient experience. The current QBS 1 differential stands at $0.38 per hour, while QBS 2 is $0.55 per hour—rates that have remained unchanged for over a decade. We believe that increasing the QBS differential is long overdue, particularly given Southern California’s diverse population.
We also exchanged several proposals. Management submitted 2 proposals changing the transfer rights for probationary employees and for non-probationary employees. Our bargaining team will review these proposals closely. The employer also responded with a counter to our proposed APP Committee language, and we are close to reaching a tentative agreement (TA).
We will continue pushing for a strong contract that honors the dedication and contributions of all our members.
Join Us at Bargaining!
As we dive deeper into economic negotiations, your presence as an observer can make all the difference! Be part of the action, hear the discussions that will shape your future, and help us demonstrate our unwavering unity.
Below are our next bargaining dates.
• July 8 at KP Independence Park, Downey, CA
• July 22 at KP Independence Park, Downey, CA
• July 24 at KP Independence Park, Downey, CA
• August 18 at UNAC/UHCP Headquarters, San Dimas, CA
• August 19 at UNAC/UHCP Headquarters, San Dimas, CA
• August 25 at UNAC/UHCP Headquarters, San Dimas, CA
• August 26 aat UNAC/UHCP Headquarters, San Dimas, CA
RSVP in Memberlink. Bargaining typically begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. and observers may join for any amount of time.
After several sessions centered on interest-based dialogue, we are excited that we passed multiple proposals across the table and also received several proposals from management when we met on June 3.
While we have not yet reached a Tentative Agreement, we are entering into a new phase of negotiations focused on refining proposals.
We passed over 5 proposals to management, 3 introducing new language and 2 that clean up existing contract language.
Proposals Introducing New Language:
• Lactation Accommodation: Our bargaining team proposed language that protects mother and infant well-being. Members of KPCSP regularly promote breastfeeding with patients and care for patients who breastfeed. One bargaining team member provided a testimonial about how her patient developed an infection due to inadequate time for milk expression while working as a nurse, highlighting the medical necessity of proper lactation support.
• Lead Position for Certified Nurse Midwives: We passed to management language providing a clear framework for eligibility, selection, and responsibilities of the Lead Certified Midwife, a role some members are currently fulfilling without proper compensation.
• Notice of Vacancies and Job Postings: Our proposal adds job vacancy and posting notifications, consistent with language in other UNAC/UHCP contracts with Kaiser.
Proposals that Update Current Contract Language:
• Advanced Practice Committees (Paragraph 1579): We proposed language that allows all APPs, including ones newly added to our unit, the opportunity to attend the Advanced Practice Committees at their local medical center.
• Use of Extended Sick Leave (Paragraph 1829): We put forward contract language so that use of extended sick leave is calculated in a way that is more inclusive of members who work different types of shifts.
Management passed three proposals and a counter proposal this week addressing the Grievance Procedure (Paragraph 1102), change in Bereavement Leave, Employee Trial Period, and a counter to our proposal on Incidental Time Off Requests.
Where We’re At
The strong foundation we built during our first six weeks of bargaining—learning about mutual interests and establishing our commitment to collaborative problem-solving—prepares us well for our current stage of bargaining as well as the upcoming discussions on economics.
Next Bargaining Session
We are scheduled to meet with management on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. We welcome KPCSP members to join us as observers! RSVP in Memberlink.
At bargaining on Thursday, May 29, 2025, we held deep discussions with management on per diem scheduling practices after management shared a proposal on per diem availability and commitment with increased requirements. We applaud our bargaining team for providing testimonies from real life scenarios that redirected conversation towards addressing the per diem scheduling issues experienced by our KPCSP members and management’s shortcomings in their utilization of per diems and existing contractual language.
We presented a different perspective that aims to resolve a key challenge experienced by KPSCP members: the lack of staffing at night shift for per diem midwives due to the current workday definition language. We proposed changing the defined work day to begin at the start of an employee’s shift in order to resolve the night shift scheduling problem because it would allow per diem midwives who work night shift to earn overtime, similar to when they work day shifts. This proposal presents a solution that ensures fair and equitable practices and compensation across our bargaining unit and would foster per diem utilization.
We look forward to continuing the momentum next week as we continue to bargain for contractual language that makes sense and addresses real problems that affect KPCSP members and their work lives.
Next Bargaining Session
Our next bargaining session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at our UNAC/UHCP Headquarters in San Dimas. If you are interested in attending as an observer, please sign up in Memberlink.
We continue to move forward in our contract negotiations as we gave management our first proposal. We met with management on Wednesday, May 14, and shared a proposal that outlines a uniform response to time off requests. The proposal included timely and specific processes to foster transparency, work-life balance, and quality patient care. We look forward to management’s response to this proposal.
We also had positive interest-based discussions regarding per diem language in the KPCSP contract.
Next Bargaining Session
We bargain again on Thursday, May 29 at our UNAC/UHCP Headquarters in San Dimas. We always welcome members to join us and observe the negotiation process. RSVP in Memberlink.
We met with management on April 22 and April 23 and fully engaged in an interest-based bargaining approach to develop deeper understandings of workplace issues. By continuing to build on a foundation based on mutual understanding, collaboration, and solutions-oriented problem-solving, we strengthened our position to negotiate a strong contract.
One important conversation topic explored the time period of management responses to incidental time-off requests. Our bargaining team members shared personal stories of how current practices impacted work-life balance and patient care. The discussions led to larger conversations about scheduling practices and operational needs. We devoted time to brainstorming common interests in addition to having preliminary discussions about possible solutions to address the negative impacts upon staff and patients.
We continued to build on a strong foundation of interest-based bargaining and are ready to bargain the best contract possible for our KPCSP members.
What’s Next?
The next bargaining session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 at Downey Independence Park. We welcome observers to join us! Sign up in MemberLink. Please note that attendance as an observer must occur during your personal time.
We had a productive start to local contract negotiations. We met with management on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at UNAC/UHCP Headquarters in San Dimas, CA. We utilized the interest-based bargaining approach, which is anchored in mutual respect, common interest, and collaborative problem-solving. To facilitate negotiations moving forward, we discussed and agreed to ground rules and set the foundation in partnership principles.
Before meeting with management, UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine S. Morales, RN, and Vice President Peter Sidhu, RN, visited the bargaining team and shared words of wisdom, encouragement, and support.
Our Bargaining Team
Our bargaining team has been meeting regularly, preparing diligently, and is ready to negotiate the best contract possible. Members of the bargaining team are:
KPCSP Officers:
Kerin Asher-Galloway, CNN
Jessica Gonzalez, CNM
Diana Guerrero, CWON
Tessa Hartfield, CNM
Pamela Loera, CWOCN
Misty Molina, CNM
Jenny Payne, ICDNP
Zoila Coronado, CNM
Mirna Saavedra, CNM
UNAC/UHCP Staff Representatives:
Rafael Rodriguez, RN, Lead Negotiator
Omar Coreas-Herrera, RN
Cheryl Walker, OT
Looking Ahead
Our next bargaining dates are below. Bargaining sessions are open, and you are welcome to attend as an observer. Please note that attendance as an observer must occur during your personal time. Sign up to be an observer in Memberlink.
• Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 10am at UNAC/UHCP Headquarters (955 Overland Court, San Dimas, CA 91773)
• Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Kaiser Permanente Independence Park (Downey).
Make sure you are getting all the important information that comes along with bargaining our next contract. Memberlink (memberlink.unacuhcp.org) is our UNAC/UHCP member portal for filing a staffing objection, finding educational opportunities, signing up for trainings and conducting other union activities. Login to make sure your information is up-to-date.
If you need help updating your information, please call UNAC/UHCP’s Member Action Resource Center (MARC) at 1-877-506-4554.
Southern California Kickoff
We’re ready to work toward a contract that strengthens our labor-management partnership and ensures the best care for our patients. Nearly 30,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals across Southern California are coming together to advocate for wages that attract, retain, and respect the dedicated professionals who keep Kaiser Permanente at the forefront of healthcare.
Representing registered nurses, pharmacists, rehab therapists, optometrists, dietitians, audiologists, health educators, and speech-language pathologists, we know that delivering high-quality care starts with safe staffing. When teams are fully supported, patients receive the best care, and professionals can work at the top of their licenses.
Almost all Southern California KP contracts expire on September 30, 2025. These negotiations are a key opportunity to strengthen our workforce, improve patient outcomes, and reinforce the partnership that has provided high-quality care to Kaiser Permanente patients.
Together, we are committed to solutions that support healthcare professionals, enhance patient care, and uphold our shared mission. Stay engaged—this is our moment to make a real difference.