SPOKANE, Wash. – Kaiser Permanente employees have been fighting for improved working conditions for months. On Wednesday, the healthcare company issued a statement after SEIU Healthcare 1199NW authorized a strike.
“Kaiser Permanente Washington is committed to bargaining in good faith to reach a fair and equitable agreement that supports our employees and patients and furthers our mission of providing high-quality care,” said Kaiser Permanente.
The Washington contract between Kaiser Permanente and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW expires on Oct. 31. Their goal is to reach an agreement that ensures they can provide market-competitive pay and benefits to their workers. They say they are confident an agreement will be made before the current contract expires.
The union has been advocating for more staff and higher wages for months, with competitors offering bonuses of over $25,000.
“We greatly respect and value our employees who deliver on our mission every day and look forward to continuing our conversation at the bargaining table,” said Jessica Knapp, the Communications Consultant for Kaiser Permanente.
A strike authorization does not mean a strike is imminent. If negotiations for a new contract fall through, the union has the authority to hold a strike.
