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Contracts & Bargaining

Bargaining Updates: United PAs of California (2024-2025)

United PAs of California (UPAC)

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Our UPAC bargaining team

Arezou Mansourian: Diablo Service Area (DSA)

Walter Fulgham: Santa Clara, Milpitas, Skyport, Arques, Behavioral Health

Silas Patlove: Oakland, Richmond, Oakland Regional Offices

Ross Madden: Roseville, Folsom, Lincoln, Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Railyard

Phil DaVisio: Modesto, Manteca, Stockton, South Sacramento

Monica Muzzin: San Francisco, Mission Bay, San Rafael, Petaluma, South San Francisco

Jennifer Van Buskirk: Santa Rosa, Vallejo, Vacaville, Napa

Sarah Mingviriya: San Leandro, Union City, Fremont, Kaiser Post Acute, Medical Psych Unit, Redwood City, San Mateo

David Anthony: San Jose, Gilroy, Fresno, Oakhurst, Clovis, Selma

 

Thank you to Jodi Reynolds for joining bargaining this week as a member observer! (Jodi is pictured at center)

UPAC BARGAINING UPDATE #30: May 17, 2025

Important News!

Our UPAC bargaining team has urgent news to share with you regarding progress made at bargaining on May 14-15.

We have submitted a counter proposal to management this week that includes transitioning PAs to non-exempt status. We recognize this issue has generated strong feelings for many members. This proposal represents our efforts over the last 7 months to respond to management’s non-exempt proposal and meet the expressed interests of our diverse group, while including the strongest protections we could formulate for the interests and concerns that you expressed you want to preserve from our current status. We are waiting for management’s response.

We also have responded to management regarding Earned Time Off (ETO) which is inclusive of holidays, Personal Time Off (PTO), and Earned Sick Leave (ESL).

Join us for a UPAC town hall on Tuesday, May 20 at 7pm. We will discuss all of these issues then. Please sign up and spread the word to your PA colleagues about the meeting so as many members as possible have the opportunity to participate. Hope to see you there!

Town Hall May 20, 7pm

Click here to register for the town hall

Future Bargaining Dates

May 20 – Town Hall
May 29 – Bargaining
June 10 – Bargaining
June 11 – Bargaining
June 24 – Bargaining
June 25 – Bargaining
June 26 – Bargaining

Thank you to Mike Cadette for joining bargaining this week as a member observer! (Mike is pictured fourth from the right)

UPAC BARGAINING Update #29: May 2, 2025

Our team met to continue bargaining with management this week on April 30 and May 1.

Over these two days we continued the ongoing dialogue regarding PA professional practice. A significant amount of our focus and attention was placed on this issue. We shared our interests, and passed a proposal to address PA development and leadership opportunities leading to lengthy and thorough discussion with management about the matter.

We also provided our response to management on Leaves of Absence (LOA), including leave for bereavement, jury duty, military, medical, FMLA, occupational, personal leave, and more.

We want to remind everyone that UPAC members are welcome to attend bargaining as an observer. You are not required to stay the entire day. Feel free to join us when you can even if only for an hour or two, or all day, the choice is yours!

Future Bargaining Dates

May 13 – Caucus
May 14-15 – Bargaining
May 29 – Bargaining

Joe Guzynski, UNAC/UHCP Executive Director joined the UPAC bargaining team for our May 1 bargaining session. Thank you, Joe!

UPAC BARGAINING Update #28: April 18, 2025

This week April 15-17, over the course of our caucus day and two days of bargaining with management discussions continued on many important issues, including: professional practice; paid time off; leaves of absence; bereavement; jury duty; medical leaves; personal leave; military leave; union leave; PA classification and roles; hours of work; and status. No stone is left unturned as we move forward towards the goal of authoring an exemplary contract for our members.

Focal points for our Town Hall meeting next Monday, April 21 include an overview of the upcoming Alliance National Bargaining that begins May 6, 2025; and Wage and Hour attorney Josh Young is joining our meeting. There will be an opportunity for Q&A with Josh so please come prepared to ask any questions you may have.

UPAC members are always welcome to attend bargaining sessions as an observer. Your personal show of support boosts our team spirit and sends a strong message to management that the membership is invested in our collective success!

Town Hall on Monday, April 21

Our next UPAC town hall will be Monday, April 21 at 7 PM PDT. Wage and Hour attorney Josh Young will join to answer member questions. Please register to attend.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Future Bargaining, Caucus & Town Hall Dates

April 21 – Town Hall meeting
April 30 – Bargaining
May 1 – Bargaining
May 13 – Caucus
May 14-15 – Bargaining
May 29 – Bargaining

UPAC BARGAINING Update #27: April 5, 2025

Over two days of bargaining this week we continued intense discussions over the mechanics and ramifications of hourly vs. salaried status. It will not be easily resolved and while the importance of this is evident there are other matters to attend to. Four proposals unrelated to status were passed across the table this week, two from our team to management and management passed two to our team.

Our proposals covered the securing of time and safe spaces for lactation, and education leave. Management proposals to us covered paid time off and holidays, and leaves of absence.

At our next town hall meeting on April 21 our wage and hour attorney will join to answer questions. Please take advantage of this tremendous opportunity.

We invite and encourage member attendance at our bargaining sessions! Thank you to Richard Galarza for coming in person to support us this week. Member support is always appreciated.

FUTURE BARGAINING & CAUCUS DATES:

April 15 – UPAC Caucus
April 16 – Bargaining
April 17 – Bargaining
April 30 – Bargaining

UPCOMING TOWN HALL MEETING:

Our next UPAC town hall will be Monday, April 21 at 7 PM PDT. Our wage and hour attorney will join to answer member questions. Please register to attend.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

United PAs of California Bargaining Update #26: MARCH 21, 2025

The rally in Roseville on March 11 was a smashing success! Hundreds of supporters from across California turned out to make some noise and let Kaiser know that we are here, we are united, and that together we rise.

Our bargaining team has concluded a busy week, meeting to caucus on March 18 prior to bargaining with management on March 19-20. At the bargaining table we continue our efforts to get the best possible contract for our members. Thank you all for your input and support. Please join our town hall meeting next Monday at 7 PM.

Future Bargaining and Caucus Dates:

April

  • April 3 – Bargaining
  • April 4 – Bargaining
  • April 15 – UPAC Caucus
  • April 16 – Bargaining
  • April 17 – Bargaining
  • April 30 – Bargaining

UPAC BARGAINING Update #25: March 8, 2025

This past Thursday, our UPAC bargaining team met with management to continue negotiations on scheduling and standby/callback practices. Our focus remains on securing a fair and sustainable system that balances:

✅ Predictability & Consistency – Ensuring financial stability and clear, reliable schedules that recognize the sacrifices we make to provide exceptional care.

✅ Rest & Safety – Protecting adequate recovery time to maintain high-quality patient care.

✅ Flexibility & Work-Life Balance – Recognizing the need for adaptability while upholding professional and personal well-being.

✅ Operational & Patient Care Needs – Finding solutions that support both PAs and the patients we serve.

KEY UPCOMING ACTIONS – STAY ENGAGED!
Rally for a Fair Contract! – March 11
Roseville Medical Center, 1600 Eureka Rd, 11:00 AM.
Join us as we show our unity and strength.

UPAC Town Hall – March 24 (7:00 PM)
Get the latest updates and ask questions.

Caucus Meeting – March 18
A chance for the team to align strategy and discuss next steps.

Bargaining Continues – March 19 & 20
We’ll be back at the table working toward a strong and fair agreement. Together, we can secure real change for PAs!

UPAC BARGAINING Update #24: February 28, 2025

During our bargaining session yesterday, our UPAC bargaining team and management engaged in in-depth discussions on scheduling practices and definitions. While we have not yet reached a tentative agreement, both sides are making progress toward a shared understanding of key issues and objectives.

At our next session, we will review real world scenarios to ensure that any agreements reached are consistently understood and applied in practice. This step is critical in developing fair and transparent scheduling processes that reflect the needs of both PAs and the patients we serve.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS – STAY ENGAGED

  • March 11, 2025 – Informational Picket Roseville Medical Center, 1600 Eureka Rd, 11:00 AM.
    Stand with your UNAC/UHCP colleagues—NCAL CRNAs, CNMs, and UTNC—as we fight for fair contracts. Join our Region-wide Day of Action to show our collective strength!
  • March 24, 2025 – PA Town Hall (7:00 PM) Stay informed and engaged as we discuss the latest updates and next steps in bargaining.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #23: February 7, 2025

Our NCAL PA bargaining team met with management January 29-30 and February 6-7, with an internal planning caucus on February 5.

We started negotiations by exploring various scenarios related to shift designations, standby/callback provisions, and scheduling through interest-based discussion to foster a shared understanding before moving to formal proposals.

Following months of exploratory conversations, we submitted a comprehensive formal proposal covering all aspects of Hours of Work, including scheduling, staffing, and shift definitions.

After extensive discussions, we ended negotiations this week reaching a tentative agreement on Per Diem Commitments.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • UPAC Townhall: Our next town hall will be on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:00 PM PST.
  • Day Of Action: Stand with your UNAC/UHCP colleagues: NCAL CRNAs and CNMs (bargaining their first contracts) and UTNC (bargaining begins in March)! Join our Region-wide Day of Action on Tuesday, March 11, from 11 AM to 2 PM.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #22: January 10, 2025

Our NCAL PA bargaining team held an internal caucus on Wednesday, January 8, and met with management on Thursday, January 9, for productive discussions regarding our contract proposals.

The sessions focused on clarifying key points and ensuring a thorough understanding of each party’s interest. Management engaged actively, seeking clarifications and examples related to our proposals. This led to a valuable exchange of information and a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

We also continued our productive conversations regarding scheduling practices and per diem commitments, exploring various options and potential solutions.

While no formal proposals were exchanged during these sessions, we dedicated significant time to understanding each other’s interests and priorities. This groundwork is crucial for developing mutually agreeable solutions moving forward. We also planned for future discussions to ensure a focused and efficient approach to the bargaining process.

We remain committed to keeping you informed throughout the bargaining process. Stay tuned for further updates.

UPAC final day of bargaining at Kaiser Oakland

UPAC BARGAINING Update #21: December 13, 2024

Our United PAs of California (UPAC) bargaining team met with management on Thursday, December 12, 2024, to continue negotiating our contract.

We closed out a productive year with a TA on New Employee Orientation. Our team also responded to management’s proposal on Per Diem Availability, with the interest of ensuring fair and predictable expectations for our per diem PAs.

We took a step forward by exploring language options for scheduling and pay practices. The team is focused on ensuring the shared member interests of improving work-life balance, maintaining income security, and protecting the integrity of our profession.

We remain committed to negotiating a contract that respects the diverse needs of our members and upholds the value of our work.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to fight for a fair and balanced agreement. Happy holidays and see you all in 2025!

UPAC BARGAINING Update #20: November 15, 2024

Our United PAs of California (UPAC) bargaining team met with management on Thursday, November 14, 2024, to continue ongoing discussion of two proposals reviewed below. We caucused on November 13, where we prepared future proposals. The team also had in depth analysis and conversation as we consider management’s non-exempt proposal. Thank you to everyone who attended meetings and provided valuable input to our bargaining team and CAT members. Your contribution allows the team to understand and communicate your perspectives and needs at the table.

  • Status – KP’s non-exempt proposal: We have a shared interest of consistent, transparent, equitable schedules and pay practices that promote work-life balance for all PAs. We will continue to work to develop an inclusive framework that ensures essential PA care and respects different practices.
  • New Employee Orientation (NEO): Continued to discuss the process of welcoming newly hired PAs into UPAC.

We will keep you updated on these and other critical issues as negotiations progress. Thank you for your continued solidarity and engagement in this process.

Regional PA Meetings

PAs gathered throughout NCAL to discuss management’s proposed status change.
NCAL PAs
NCAL PAs
UPAC regional meetings
NCAL PAs

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UPAC BARGAINING Update #19: October 31, 2024

Our United PAs of California (UPAC) bargaining team met with management on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, to continue negotiations focused on achieving a fair and equitable contract. Key proposals and ongoing discussions included:

* Status – KP’s non-exempt proposal: Fueled by the numerous in-person meetings over the past week, we shared the concerns that our PA colleagues have raised about issues including schedules, wages, workloads, and operational stability. We highlighted that although some areas are struggling, others are working well. Further conversations will be needed to develop a comprehensive approach to address the variety of practices and ensure essential PA care as well as work life balance.

  • New Employee Orientation (NEO): We discussed the process of welcoming newly hired PAs into UPAC.
  • Per Diem Commitment: Our team highlighted the need ensure per diem staff are available to support and backfill full and part-time PAs.
  • Just Culture: We engaged in discussions to establish an approach to safety by sharing accountability and promoting a speak up culture.
  • Job Bidding and Filling: We discussed the process of filling positions with PAs to maintain service levels and workload balance.

We will keep you updated on these and other critical issues as negotiations progress. Thank you for your continued solidarity and engagement in this process.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #18: October 18, 2024

Our UPAC bargaining team met with management on Thursday, October 17 to continue contract negotiations. We had in-depth discussions about the potential implications of management’s proposal to move PAs from exempt to non exempt status. No agreements or decisions were reached.

JOIN THE REGIONAL IN-PERSON MEETING:
Want to share your thoughts? Join us at one of our upcoming regional meetings where we will discuss implications of the potential status change and gather feedback.

REGIONAL MEETING SCHEDULE:

    • San Jose/Santa Clara/Redwood City: Thursday, October 24, 2024, 6-8 PM at Hapa Brewing Company
    • Sacramento/SSAC/Vacaville/Vallejo: Friday, October 25, 2024, 6-8 PM at Touchstone Brewing Company
    • Santa Rosa/San Rafael/Napa/SF/SSF: Saturday, October 26, 2024, 12-2 PM at Ounces Outdoors
    • San Francisco/Redwood City: Saturday, October 26, 2024, 5-7PM at Fieldwork Brewery
    • Modesto/Stockton/SSAC: Sunday, October 27, 2024, 5-7 PM at Idol Beer Works
    • DSA: Monday, October 28, 2024, 6-8 PM at Calicraft Brewing Co.
    • Fresno: Monday, October 28, 2024, 5:30-7:30 PM at Yard House Fresno
    • Oakland/Richmond/SLN/Fremont: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 6-8 PM at Drake’s Dealership

UPAC BARGAINING Update #17: October 3, 2024

Our UPAC bargaining team met together on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 for an internal caucus and with Kaiser management on Thursday, October 3, 2024 to continue contract negotiations. During the session, our bargaining team shared the follow key interests:

  • Increased education leave: We advocated for more education leave for PAs to allow for ongoing professional development, highlighted the demanding mandatory training requirement specific for PAs, such as board preparation, and emphasized the need for flexibility to accommodate ongoing and in-person learning.
  • Short-term stoppages: While we’ve agreed on a process for permanent reductions in force, we’re still negotiating how work stoppages of 30 days or less are addressed.

Management has presented a proposal that would transition the status of NCAL PAs from exempt (salaried) to non-exempt (hourly). This significant change could have a substantial impact on our working conditions and compensation. Our bargaining team has not responded and wants to speak with our colleagues regarding the implications of this proposal.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #16: September 6 2024

Our UPAC bargaining team met with Kaiser management again on Wednesday, September and Thursday, September 5 to continue contract negotiations. During the sessions, we reached a TA on Corrective Action, establishing a fair and consistent process for addressing performance concerns and supporting members’ development.

We remain committed to a collaborative bargaining process that prioritizes the needs and concerns of our members and patients. While we have consistently advocated for these interests, recent negotiations have been challenging due to management’s lack of meaningful engagement on our proposals, many of which are mandatory bargaining subjects.

We are still awaiting management’s response on Prior Benefits and Policies, Union Leaves of Absence, and Just Culture.

Rest assured, we will continue to advocate tirelessly for your rights and interests, ensuring your voices are heard and represented throughout this process.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #15: August 23, 2024

Our United PAs of California (UPAC) bargaining team met with Kaiser management on Thursday, August 22, 2024, to continue negotiations on our contract. During this session, we advanced discussions and presented new proposals aimed at improving working conditions and ensuring fair treatment for all PAs. These proposals included:

* Corrective Action: We presented our proposal on corrective action, focusing on ensuring a fair, transparent, and consistent process for addressing performance concerns.
* Per Diem Commitment: We shared a proposal emphasizing the importance of clear expectations regarding the per diem position.
* Job Bidding and Filling: Management responded to our proposal on this topic. While these discussions remain challenging, we are working collaboratively to find common ground.

Thank you for your continued support. Our team remains committed to securing a fair and equitable agreement that addresses the needs of all PAs. Please stay tuned for further updates.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #14: August 8, 2024

The United PAs of California (UPAC) bargaining team met with Kaiser Permanente management again on Thursday, August 8, 2024, to make further progress on our contract negotiations. We continued to have in-depth discussions on the important topic of Job Bidding and Filling.

ADVOCATING FOR FAIR AND TRANSPARENT PROCESS
Our bargaining team is unified and committed to advocating for PAs and ensuring a fair and transparent process for applying for open PA positions. We are working collectively to achieve this goal.

GET INVOLVED!
There are several ways you can make a big difference in our negotiations:
* Join the Contract Action Team (CAT): Be an active part of the bargaining process by joining the CAT. .
* Stay Informed: Share bargaining updates with your colleagues to keep everyone informed.
* Blue Thursdays: Keep showing your solidarity! We appreciate all the members who have submitted photos for Blue Thursdays. If you don’t have any UNAC/UHCP gear, reach out to a CAT or bargaining team member. Thank you for your continued participation and support!

UPAC BARGAINING Update #13: July 25, 2024

The United PAs of California (UPAC) bargaining team continues to make strides in securing a strong contract for our members. Our team convened on Wednesday, July 24, to caucus and collaborate, and then met with Kaiser Permanente management on Thursday, July 25, 2024, to continue negotiating our contract.

During bargaining, we reached a TA on:

  • Reduction in Force: Outlines a fair and equitable process in the event of a reorganization or downsizing to minimize adverse effects on members.

We also continued to have robust discussions on Job Bidding and Filling. Collectively, we are working on ensuring a fair and transparent process for PAs to apply for open PA positions.

Furthermore, our team highlighted to management how PAs’ diverse education fosters adaptability and transferability, advocating for a robust, fair process for applying to varied opportunities.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #12: July 11, 2024

Our United PAs of California (UPAC) bargaining team met with Kaiser Permanente management again on Thursday, July 11, 2024, to continue negotiating our first UNAC/UHCP contract.

During this meeting, we reached a TA on:

  • Seniority: Provides transparency on the definition of seniority and accrual rate for full-time, part-time, and per diem employees. Please note: Subsequent articles, will dictate how seniority is used.

We also continued our in-depth discussions on Job Bidding & Filling of Vacancies. Additionally, our bargaining team received a proposal from management on Reduction in Force and briefly began discussions on Notice of Vacancies.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #11: June 13, 2024

Our United PAs of California (UPAC) bargaining team met with Kaiser Permanente management today, Thursday, June 13, 2024, to continue negotiating our first UNAC/UHCP contract.

We reached a tentative agreement (TA) on: Recognition & Coverage: Recognizes UPAC- UNAC/UHCP as our union, defines who is included in our bargaining unit and protects our status as union members.

We continued discussions on Seniority and Job Bidding & Filling. Our bargaining team also discussed Reductions in Force and briefly touched on the topic of corrective action.

Lastly, we spent time outline the topics we plan to address at upcoming bargaining sessions.

We invite you to join the Contract Action Team (CAT) to actively share bargaining updates with your colleagues. Sign up at unacuhcp.org/PA-CAT. Our involvement is crucial to our success and in building a stronger voice for our profession. Together, we can secure a fair contract.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #10: May 30, 2024

On Thursday, May 30, 2024, our bargaining team sat down with management to continue negotiations. This week, we dove deeper into the topics of seniority and job bidding & filling, and discussed job classifications and roles.

Our intent is to promote leadership roles and growth for PAs within the KP system and ensure consistency among the roles across various locations.

Your continued support and solidarity, shown through the photos of members wearing UNAC/UHCP gear on Blue Thursdays, means the world to us. Let’s keep those photos coming to your Bargaining Action Team (BAT) member! These actions showcase our collective strength and voice, both of which are crucial during the bargaining process.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #9: May 16, 2024

Bargaining continued this week when our PA bargaining team came together in caucus on Wednesday, March 15, 2024 to review and discuss the results of the workload survey. Thank you to all who participated in providing valuable feedback to the team. We then met with management to negotiate on Thursday, March 16, 2024.

During our session with management, we continued discussions on Recognition and Coverage, Seniority, and Job Bidding and Filling.

Also, we reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) on: Union Representation: Outlines that union representatives, such as stewards, can participate in union activities and have access to the workplace and bulletin boards.

Thank you to all members who have participated in Blue Thursdays by wearing your UNAC/UHCP gear. By sharing your photos, you are showing solidarity with all our PA colleagues and encouraging our bargaining team at the negotiation table. Keep up the momentum!

Lastly, join us on Tuesday, June 4, at 7:00 PM for the next PA town hall meeting. On this town hall, we will present highlights from the workload survey.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #8: May 2, 2024

Our PA bargaining team met with Kaiser Permanente management today on Thursday, May 2, 2024, to resume negotiating our contract. We continued conversations on topics including the lactation policy and seniority.

We reached Tentative Agreements (TAs) on:
1. Non-Discrimination: Protects members from discrimination in the workplace.

2. Grievance & Arbitration: Outlines a clear and fair process of how members document and resolve workplace issues and complaints.

3. Probation: Defines the probationary period for new hires and transfers.

Additionally, we began discussions on Recognition and Coverage as well as Reduction in Force. Thank you to all members who have submitted photos for Blue Thursdays; your participation and solidarity is inspiring. Please continue sharing! If you don’t have any UNAC/UHCP gear, please reach out to a BAT or bargaining team member. Lastly, please mark your calendar for June 4 at 7PM for the next townhall meeting.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #7: April 19, 2024

Bargaining continued on Thursday, April 19, 2024, as our PA negotiating team met with Kaiser Permanente management. The discussion covered several topics, including union representation, management rights, and grievance procedures. No Tentative Agreements (TAs) were reached, and progress on the language of these issues was minimal.

During the session, the topic of probation was a focal point, particularly concerning the balance between maintaining stable staffing levels and supporting PA retention along with work/life balance. Your team consistently elevated your interests to foster a deeper understanding and to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Additionally, management declined to engage in discussions about new employee orientation and union leaves of absence, both of which are essential for integrating new union members and facilitating ongoing union participation, posing challenges to our negotiating efforts.

We encourage you to complete the workload survey and join us for the next PA townhall meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Your participation is important as we continue negotiations. We remain dedicated to achieving a thorough and fair agreement.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #6: April 5, 2024

The NCAL PA bargaining team met with Kaiser Permanente management on Thursday, April 4, 2024, to continue negotiating our contract. Our conversation was not just a negotiation over contract terms but a firm stand for the respect and recognition our profession deserves.

During the meeting, we engaged in discussions on a range of issues, including Probation, Non-discrimination policies, Union representation, and the Grievance and Arbitration processes. Additionally, we began conversations on Management rights and the conditions surrounding Strikes and lockouts.

Each topic was approached not just as a contractual obligation, but as a testament to our unwavering demand for respect, equity, and fairness. Our discussions are a clear message that we are united in our fight for a working environment that not only acknowledges but champions our contributions as PAs.

As we forge ahead in these negotiations, the strength of our collective voice is our most powerful asset. With that in mind, we invite you to join the next PA town hall meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM. This will be an excellent opportunity for us to come together, share updates, and discuss our next steps.

Then-UNAC/UHCP Board of Director David Huang, OD, joins the UPAC negotiations.

UPAC BARGAINING Update #5: March 20, 2024

This week’s bargaining sessions brought the NCAL PAs team together on Wednesday, March 20, to meet as a team, followed by a productive meeting with management on Thursday, March 21.

Building on the momentum of previous sessions, our discussions with management at the bargaining table covered several crucial topics, including provisions for nursing mothers, seniority, job bidding and filling, union representation, and non-discrimination.

These conversations are pivotal in ensuring that our workplace reflects the respect and support our profession deserves and directly impact our ability to provide the highest quality of care to our patients.

We appreciate the continued support and solidarity shown by our members through the photos shared on Blue Thursdays. These collective actions are instrumental in reinforcing our unity and determination throughout this bargaining process. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to strive for a fair and omprehensive contract.

SAVE THE DATE:
Please mark your calendars for the next PA town hall on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

NCAL PAs
NCAL PAs

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UPAC BARGAINING Update #4: March 7, 2024

Our bargaining team met with management on Thursday, March 7, 2024, to continue negotiating our first UNAC/UHCP contract. We reached our first tentative agreements (TAs) on several key areas:

  • Courtesy: Outlines the commitment to the respectful treatment of PAs, management, and physicians.
  • Safety and Health: Shares that the employer will follow all safety laws and investigate PAs’ safety concerns.
  • Performance Evaluations: Clarifies that evaluations will primarily serve as opportunity for supportive feedback.
  • Conformity to Law: Ensures that if any part of the agreement does not comply with state of federal law, that part will be disregarded, whilst the remainder of the agreement remains effective.

Additionally, we continued discussions on Grievance and Arbitration and began dialogue on Hours of Work and Union Representation. Our progress in negotiations is a testament to our bargaining team’s unwavering resolve to secure a contract that honors the PA profession, reinforced by the solidarity of our members.

Upcoming Townhall: March 13
If you have not done so, please mark your calendars for the next PA town hall on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

NCAL PAs
NCAL PAs

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UPAC BARGAINING Update #3: February 22, 2024

Bargaining continued this week on Thursday, February 22, 2024 as our PA negotiating team met again with Kaiser Permanente management. Our team continued discussion on the following topics: Safety and Health, Performance Evaluations, Probation and Grievance and Arbitration.

In addition to these topics, the underlying focus of this bargaining session has revolved around engaging in difficult but necessary discussions to establish a platform that recognizes the value of our profession and the contributions we make to the healthcare team and our patients.

Rest assured, our bargaining team is committed to building a strong contract that explicitly respects our profession and our role as PAs.

Thank you to all our members who have shared their photos for Blue Thursdays. It’s a very helpful way to show your solidarity with our bargaining team. We encourage everyone to keep the momentum going!

SAVE THE DATE:
Please mark your calendars for the next PA town hall on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

NCAL PAs
NCAL PAs

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UPAC BARGAINING Update #2: February 8, 2024

The NCAL PA bargaining team met with Kaiser Permanente management on Thursday, February 8, 2024, to continue negotiating our first UNAC/UHCP contract. Discussions were held on key issues including Courtesy, New Employee Orientation, Grievance and Arbitration, as well as Harassment, and Safety and Health.

We also opened discussions on Probation and Performance Evaluation. As our bargaining sessions progress, the NCAL PA team is steadily finding its rhythm, galvanizing our efforts to advocate for the issues that matter most to our members. While these conversations are essential, it’s clear that there is substantial work ahead.

Thank you to all our members who have shared their photos for Blue Thursdays; your enthusiasm truly motivates our collective mission! We encourage everyone to keep the momentum going — please continue to send in your photos to showcase our solidarity in shades of blue.

SAVE THE DATE:
Lastly, please remember to mark your calendars for the NCAL PA town hall on Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 PM. Your attendance is important as we navigate these complex discussions.

UPAC BARGAINING UPDATE #1: January 25, 2024

We kicked off this month with training on January 10 and a union caucus on January 11. We had a joint training with management on interest-based negotiations with the intention of working collaboratively to address concerns at the bargaining table, reflecting the foundations of our labor-management partnership.

During negotiations that began January 25, our team had discussions with management on the following subjects:

  • Courtesy
  • Harassment
  • Workplace Safety
  • New Employee Orientation (NEO)
  • Grievance and Arbitration
  • Health and Safety

As a reminder, here are our bargaining team members by area:

  • Arezou Mansourian: Diablo Service Area (DSA)
  • Walter Fulgham: Santa Clara, Milpitas, Skyport, Arques, Behavioral Health
  • Silas Patlove: Oakland, Richmond, Oakland Regional Offices
  • Ross Madden: Roseville, Folsom, Lincoln, Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Railyard
  • Phil DaVisio: Modesto, Manteca, Stockton, South Sacramento
  • Monica Muzzin: San Francisco, Mission Bay, San Rafael, Petaluma, South San Francisco
  • Jennifer Van Buskirk: Santa Rosa, Vallejo, Vacaville, Napa
  • Sarah Mingviriya: San Leandro, Union City, Fremont, Kaiser Post Acute, Medical Psych Unit, Redwood City, San Mateo
  • David Anthony: San Jose, Gilroy, Fresno, Oakhurst, Clovis, Selma

Lastly, please save the date for the next NCAL PA town hall on Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 PM. Register at unacuhcp.org/PA-Townhall.

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