An important update on strikes at Kaiser Permanente
As you may know, members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions have voted to authorize a strike and are planning a work stoppage over unfair labor practices. In MAS the planned work stoppage is in Virginia starting October 4 at 6:00 a.m. through 6:00 a.m. on October 5, 2023. Informational picketing, which is not a work stoppage, will occur throughout MAS starting October 4 at 6:00 a.m. through October 7 at 6:00 a.m.
To be clear: UFCW Local 400 and our members are not part of this strike. We encourage you to support our colleagues on strike, but our contract requires us to continue to report to work during any strike by another union. Below we have provided some Do’s and Don’ts for you to follow to avoid any disciplinary action taken against you.
Meanwhile, on October 2, KP rehab therapists in MAS who are members of UFCW Locals 400 and 27 voted to authorize an unfair labor strike of their own by an overwhelming majority. This vote empowers the union bargaining committee to call for a strike if necessary. It does not mean the rebab therapists are on strike now.
If UFCW rehab therapists do end up going on strike, we will update you with further instructions. Under your union contract, you can and should honor the picket lines of a UFCW strike if and when one is announced.
This is the relevant contract language:
“In the event of a lawful work stoppage by another union representing employees at KFHP, bargaining unit employees shall be expected to report to work, however employees shall not be required to walk through a lawful picket line sanctioned by their own International Union.”
Do’s & Don’ts During the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions Strike Oct 4-7
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Do continue reporting to work as normal. Do walk the picket line in solidarity with our colleagues on strike during non-work hours, including lunches and breaks and days you have off. Do participate in button-ups and other solidarity actions called by UFCW Local 400. Do stay informed on the latest in contract negotiations. Do contact us or talk to your union rep if you have any questions. |
Don’t take on extra work that would normally be assigned to a worker on strike. Your job is still your job, and you do not have to take on work outside your job description. Don’t participate in picket lines or work stoppages while you are on the clock. |