Humans of UNAC/UHCP: Jodi Reynolds, PA-C
Bargaining isn’t glamorous. It’s long days, tough conversations, and disagreement. But it’s also unity. It’s collaboration. It’s people disagreeing respectfully and still moving forward together because they share a purpose.
“A year ago, when I first sat in on bargaining, the conversation was mostly about language—how proposals were written, what the words looked like on paper. It felt important, but abstract. Today? It’s different. We’re talking nuts and bolts now. Dollars and cents. The stakes feel even higher, and I’ve seen firsthand how far we’ve come.
“What strikes me most is the energy in the room. Everyone is focused, communicating, pushing forward. It’s powerful to watch. These are my colleagues, fighting not for themselves, but for all of us. And it’s clear: This work doesn’t stop when bargaining ends for the day. The team has been doing this for over a year, without a contract, and they’re still here. Still showing up. Still pushing.
“Bargaining isn’t glamorous. It’s long days, tough conversations, and disagreement. But it’s also unity. It’s collaboration. It’s people disagreeing respectfully and still moving forward together because they share a purpose.
“To those working in the field who might not know what goes on in bargaining, or who think it’s just talk. I’m telling you, it’s not. These folks are working hard. It’s not a break. It’s not politics. It’s advocacy. It’s sacrifice.
“If you’ve ever wondered what bargaining is really about, come see it. Your perspective will change. Mine did. This is quiet, tireless, thankless work, but it’s powerful. And someday soon, all that effort is going to pay off, for all of us.”
—Jodi Reynolds, PA-C, helped organize PAs in Northern California to unionize and join UNAC/UHCP. Since then, she has attended several bargaining sessions as a supporting member observer.