UPSC Bargaining Update #3: April 25, 2025
We are making progress in our contract negotiations. On April 23 and April 24,we met with management and shared our labor-side interests. We also engaged in meaningful conversations rooted in finding solutions to improving workplace issues. We continued extensive dialog around time off requests and utilization of ETO.
Overall, we gave management four proposals that support creating a workplace where pharmacists can access educational resources and establish an environment where everyone receives consistent and fair treatment:
• proposal on education utilization to expand and clarify language
• counter-proposal on mandatory training
• proposal regarding jury duty, clarifying language for part-timers
• letter of understanding (LOU) regarding use of gender neutral language
What’s Next?
Our next bargaining session is on Thursday, May 1. If you would like observe bargaining, RSVP in Memberlink.
UPSC Bargaining Update #2: April 11, 2025
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, we met with management and further discussed our mutual interests. We explored the issues of time-off requests and work-life balance, policies that enable our pharmacists to effectively plan our personal and professional lives and help reduce burnout.
We also engaged in dialogue about education time, where we emphasized that access to and utilization of education time help pharmacists stay updated within the rapidly evolving pharmaceutical landscape, which also allows pharmacists to better serve patients.
Looking Forward
Our next bargaining dates are Wednesday, April 23, 2025 and Thursday, April 24, 2025 at KP Independence Park. Log in to Memberlink to see the bargaining schedule.
Is Your Memberlink Info Up-to-Date?
We want to 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 portal where members can sign up for trainings, file grievances, and read our current contract. Log in to make sure your information is correct. If you need help updating your information, please call UNAC/UHCP’s Member Action Resource Center (MARC) at 1-877-506-4554.
UPSC Bargaining Update #1: April 4, 2025
We had a very strong start to local contract negotiations. We met with management on Friday, April 4, 2025 in Downey, CA. We established ground rules to facilitate consensus-based interest-based bargaining. We shared our key bargaining interests, and then dove into deeper conversations focused on mandatory training and work life balance. We gave management our proposal on mandatory training. Overall, we had very productive conversations.
Meet our Bargaining Team
Our bargaining team is committed to negotiating the best contract possible. Members of the bargaining team are:
UPSC Officers:
Janine Dang, PharmD
Stephenie Ellis, PharmD
Li-Ming Fong, PharmD
Malinda Greene, RPh
Margaret Kee, PharmD
Grace Lee, PharmD
Jennifer Lowe, PharmD
Vy Nguyen, PharmaD
Sophia Pak, PharmD
UNAC/UHCP Staff Representatives:
George Doctorian, Lead Negotiator
Fred Aziz, PharmD
Kathie Varisco, PharmD
Max Wang, PharmD
Looking Forward
Our next bargaining date is Thursday, April 10, 2025 at AFSCME District Council 36. Check Memberlink for additional bargaining dates.
Kick Off: March 14
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.