Contracts & Bargaining

Bargaining Updates: Northern California Association of Midwives (2024-2025)

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Our NCAM Bargaining Team

Our Northern California Association of Midwives (NCAM) Bargaining Team (from left to right):

Jessica Martinez, CNM
Kelsey Kosmadakis, CNM
Emily Hardy, CNM
Hannah Bronsky Pena, CNM
Jen Scholz, CNM

Donna Haddad, RN, BSN, Lead Negotiator
Rafael Rodriguez, MBA, BSN, RN, PHN, UNAC/UHCP Staff Representative
Omar Herrera, RN, UNAC/UHCP Staff Representative

NCAM Bargaining Update #16: May 2, 2025

We spent April 29 and 30 deeply engaged in productive discussions around Per Diem Commitment and Availability. We’re very close to reaching a tentative agreement (TA), though further dialogue is needed regarding processes when per diem commitments aren’t fulfilled.

Our bargaining team provided a counter-proposal on Corrective Action and introduced a new proposal focused on Lactation Time, ensuring supportive work conditions for nursing parents.

We’re encouraged by continued member involvement, with observers attending sessions and providing vital support to our negotiating team. Your continued support is crucial as we move closer to finalizing agreements.

Our next bargaining sessions will be held May 20 and 21 in Sacramento. Also, the additional bargaining dates have been scheduled:
• July 15 & 16
• August 13, 14, 20 & 21

Next Steps
Please note, there will be no bargaining update meeting this coming week. Instead, we’re preparing a Town Hall to discuss several important issues, including exempt vs. hourly pay. Mark your calendars for Friday, May 16 at 12:30 PM PT.

Click to join meeting

BARGAINING UPDATE #15: April 18, 2025

The NCAM bargaining team met with Kaiser Permanente from April 15 to 17 to continue negotiations for our first contract. Over three days of bargaining, we made clear that midwives deserve a contract that reflects our unique roles and interests—not a recycled agreement from other labor tables.

Key Developments:

  • Grievance and Arbitration & Corrective Action: KP reintroduced amended proposals similar to those tentatively agreed upon by other units (such as the PAs). While management appears to be pushing for uniform language across units, our team is holding firm—reviewing every proposal to ensure it meets the specific needs and interests of NCAM members. We’ve already countered on Corrective Action, and KP responded with their previous version, which we are currently holding.
  • Leave of Absence (LOA) & Paid Time Off (PTO): Management also introduced two new proposals on LOA and PTO. These are currently under union review and being held for further discussion.
  • Per Diem Protections: One of the most contentious topics was management’s initial proposal to eliminate positions or expedite the termination process for Per Diem midwives, particularly in response to low patient volumes or scheduling issues. Our team strongly pushed back, making it clear that such an approach is unacceptable. We’ve exchanged multiple counters on Per Diem protections, and the latest union proposal is now with KP for review.

Bottom Line:

This is a fight—and we are in it for a contract that works for midwives and protects our best interests. Management may try to streamline proposals across different bargaining tables, but our team is committed to bargaining language that truly serves our members and the profession we represent.

Bargaining Dates:

Our next bargaining dates are on April 29 and 30 in Oakland. As always, NCAM members are encouraged to attend bargaining sessions as observers—your presence makes a difference.

Bargaining Debrief:

Please join members of your bargaining team on Monday, April 21 at 12:30 PM PT to debrief bargaining from this past week.

Bargaining solidarity

Four members of our NCAM bargaining team with David Sereni, MPT, UNAC/UHCP staff representative.

BARGAINING UPDATE #14: March 21, 2025

Two TAs and a Staffing Win!

This week, we secured two Tentative Agreements—one on probation, the other on performance evaluations.

We also reached agreement on Central Valley Area support during short staffing, with protections to ensure members can safely transition between day and night shifts.

Management pushed back hard at times, and we had to remind them that this was Interest-Based Problem Solving, not positional bargaining.

Observers continue to make a big impact. Join us in Sacramento for more bargaining, April 15-17—your voice matters!

BARGAINING DEBRIEF:

Please join members of your bargaining team on Monday, March 24 at 6:30 PM PT to debrief bargaining from this past week. We will also use this time to discuss the scheduled survey, as requested by membership. Please note that we are adding time to this meeting to accommodate this request.

Click here to join the debrief.

Coming up:

  • Bargaining update chat: March 24, 6:30pm PT
  • Bargaining: April 15-17 at the Sacramento Grand

March 11 Day of Action

01 / 05

BARGAINING UPDATE #13: MARCH 8, 2025

Our bargaining team continued to push for solutions for staffing at the table this week. Primarily we worked to find a temporary solution that meets staffing needs in the Central Valley service area while posted positions are not yet filled. We wrote a letter of agreement that is currently in management’s hands.

At the table, the employer gave us two proposals on per diem work commitments and articles of employment. Our team will review and evaluate.

Observers continue to take part in bargaining. Your voice matters. Join us in Oakland this week.

Bargaining update chat: March 10, 12:30pm PT

Informational picket: March 11, starting at 11:00am PT, Kaiser Roseville Medical Center; please see information below

Bargaining: March 18-19 in Oakland

 

A message from our bargaining team

Dear NCAL CNMs,

On March 11, all of UNAC/UHCP will be rallying behind the NorCal groups* and we need to make sure NCAL midwives are active and visible on this day of action.

Choose one of three ways to participate:

  1. If you are off on March 11, please register to attend the Roseville Rally (11a-2p). Friends, family and supporters are all welcome to join the informational picket outside of Roseville Medical Center. Register here: www.unacuhcp.org/DOA
  2. If you are working make sure to wear your visibility items (t-shirts, scrub caps, buttons, royal blue clothing etc.). Some of you will have received stickers from your CAT, to be worn on March 11, too!  Take group photos with each other and other UNAC/UHCP members and post to your social media tagging @NCAMunited and @unacuhcp.
  3. If not working, wear your visibility items, and post on your social media about the action and what your group is trying to do for birthing families. Please reach out to your CAT or Bargaining Team member if you have any questions or other ideas on how we leverage our power to benefit our profession and the communities we serve.

In solidarity,

Your CNM Bargaining Team

P.S. Even if you cannot attend the rally in Roseville, we still would like all midwives to fill out the registration form at unacuhcp.org/DOA, selecting “I am willing to participate in a visibility action at my worksite”.

* UNAC/UHCP represents over 2,750 Northern California Kaiser professionals across seven classifications: Physician Assistants, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Certified Nurse-Midwives, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists and Licensed Acupuncturists.

BARGAINING UPDATE #12: March 1, 2025

This week, your CNM Bargaining Team engaged in intense, interest-based discussions with KP on scheduling, staffing, and per diems. We made it clear: chronic short staffing is unsustainable, and CNMs are consistently working beyond their status to provide the best care for patients.

On February 26, we passed a proposal on Job Posting Notifications. However, KP failed to introduce or counter any proposals.

On February 27, discussions continued, focusing on per diem minimum commitments and schedules. While no proposals were exchanged, we took action by delivering our 10-day notice for the Informational Picket & Day of Action in Sacramento.

What’s Next? Stay Engaged
March 3, 2025 – Bargaining Update (6:30 PM) – Get the latest updates and prepare for next steps. Register at: unacuhcp.org/cnm-updates

March 5, 2025 – Next Bargaining Session (Sacramento) – Be part of the process—your presence reinforces our strength at the table.

March 11, 2025 – Informational Picket & Day of Action – Roseville Medical Center, 1600 Eureka Rd, at 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! RSVP at unacuhcp.org/DOA

BARGAINING UPDATE #11: February 7, 2025

Our NCAM bargaining team met on Wednesday, February 5, and Thursday, February 6, to continue contract negotiations. We began discussions of work status (including full- time, part-time, per diem, short hour, and temporary positions), shift start times, and the ongoing discussion of exempt versus non-exempt status.

We then had a productive, interest-based conversation about self-scheduling and backfill. We heard from our CNM colleagues and management regarding their respective interests and are collaborating to find mutually agreeable solutions.

We also presented a counterproposal on probation and are close to reaching an agreement. We are pleased to announce we have reached a tentative agreement (TA) on just cause – which helps protect NCAM members from unfair discipline and/or termination.

Our next bargaining sessions are scheduled for February 26 and 27 in Sacramento.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

BARGAINING UPDATE #10: January 9, 2025

Our NCAM bargaining team kicked off the new year by meeting with management in Oakland on Tuesday, January 7, and Wednesday, January 8, 2025. We were joined at the table by Brian Mason, UNAC/UHCP Director, and Peter Sidhu, RN, UNAC/UHCP Executive Vice President.

We began negotiations with discussions about a potential change in bargaining locations due to space constraints.

We presented counterproposals on shift definitions, evaluations, probation, and harassment. The discussion on harassment was particularly powerful, with our team members sharing personal experiences that underscored the importance of the proposed language.

No Tentative Agreements were reached this week. Our next bargaining sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, and Thursday, January 23, in Oakland.

Show your support at our next bargaining session! Connect with a CAT members to sign up to attend bargaining in-person or wear your UNAC/UHCP gear on bargaining days and share a photo.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

BARGAINING UPDATE #9: December 19, 2024

Our NCAM bargaining team met with management on Wednesday, December 18 and Thursday, December 19, 2024 to continue negotiate our contract.

We reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) on New Employee Orientation (NEO) and presented proposals on the Regional CNM committee, commitment to Labor Management Partnership, medical malpractice, and communication.

Kaiser management countered our proposals on recognition and coverage and presented shift definitions.

Extensive discussions regarding partnership took place over both days. We are concerned by KP’s reluctance to include contractual language addressing partnership and collaboration.

As this concludes our bargaining sessions for the year, we want to thank you for your continued support, solidarity, and collaboration. We wish you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

UPCOMING BARGAINING DATES:

Bargaining will pick up in the new year on January 7 and January 8, 2025 in Oakland. Please plan to join us if possible.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

BARGAINING UPDATE #8: November 22, 2024:

This week, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, our bargaining team met with Kaiser management in Sacramento to continue negotiations on our contract. We appreciate the support of our colleagues who attended as observers.

During the meeting, we engaged in detailed discussions to clarify our union access and representation proposal, emphasizing our intent to secure the necessary access to effectively support all NCAM members. We also discussed probation, maintaining our position that Kaiser Permanente must align its policies with established, effective practices, rather than relying on language and policies that are inconsistent enforced.

To address the significant ongoing education requirements for CNMs, we presented a proposal focused on supporting CNMs in meeting regulatory and KP policy standards.

The day concluded with the employer presenting a new proposal on Work Schedules and Assignments that includes mandatory overtime and last-minute scheduling changes based on operational needs. This proposal, which disregards our work-life balance, was blatantly disrespectful.

NEXT STEPS:

Our bargaining team will review management’s proposal on work schedules with the goal of creating a balance between flexibility and structure, and to define clear expectations for schedule posting and work week commitments.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

BARGAINING UPDATE #7: November 6, 2024

Our bargaining team, joined by Joe Guzynski, UNAC/UHCP Executive Director, Peter Sidhu, UNAC/UHCP Executive Vice President, and fellow midwife colleagues, met with Kaiser management on Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

We started bargaining with discussions on Kaiser’s proposal to redefine how midwives are compensated—whether we remain salaried or move to an hourly structure. This issue is critical to our working conditions and professional standards. We also discussed:

  • Probation: We introduced a counter-proposal aimed at protecting our midwives and ensuring fair standards during the probation period.
  • New Employee Orientation (NEO): Management responded to our NEO proposal, potentially indicating some flexibility. However, we are still seeking clarification on whether transferring employees will be included in NEO. W.
  • Arbitration and Grievance: Management shared a counterproposal on this topic. We are working on developing a clear process and timeline to resolve conflicts swiftly and fairly.
  • Just Culture: Our proposal for Just Culture was also on the table.
  • Representation: We engaged in conversations with management about the roles and responsibilities of union representatives. Management presented a counter-proposal.

We closed the session by reinforcing our stance with counter-proposals on NEO and Representation.

Your solidarity is crucial. Join us at our next bargaining session or wear your UNAC/UHCP gear on bargaining days. Let’s show Kaiser the power of our united front. Connect with our CAT members to sign up to attend bargaining or share a photo of you in UNAC/UHCP gear.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

BARGAINING UPDATE #6: October 17, 2024

Our NCAL Midwives bargaining team met with Kaiser management in Sacramento on Tuesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 16 to continue negotiations for our first contract.

KEY UPDATES:
Observer Presence: Kaiser management continues to object to observers being present during bargaining sessions. However, we have persisted and maintained their presence.

Just Cause and Seniority: We presented a counterproposal regarding Just Cause and seniority, focusing on preserving seniority rights for CNMs who leave their positions and wish to return within a set time period.

Employment Status: Kaiser introduced a proposal to address employment status, which usually only includes full-time, part-time, short-hour, and per diem roles. However, management also proposed changing the CNMs’ status from salaried to hourly. Our bargaining team sought clarity on the intent of the proposal but management failed to provide a sound explanation for this decision. Our team is concerned about the potential implications of this proposal and wants to discuss it with our coworkers as we work to develop a counter proposal.

Please join the upcoming bargaining chat for more information.

Our team also presented proposals on free parking for employees and the confidentiality of records and protected health information. Despite Kaiser’s continued use of traditional bargaining tactics and resistance to open bargaining remain obstacles, our bargaining team remains committed to advocating for the interests of our members and reaching a fair contract.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

BARGAINING UPDATE #5: September 27, 2024

Our NCAL Midwives bargaining team met with Kaiser management again on Wednesday, September 25 and Thursday, September 26 in Concord, CA to continue bargaining for our first contract.

We made progress, securing tentative agreements on courtesy and bulletin board access. These agreements will foster a respectful workplace and ensure timely communication.

We also discussed Grievance and Arbitration, Probation, New Employee Orientation, and Seniority.

However, challenges remain, particularly with KP’s focus on traditional bargaining tactics, release time, and their continued refusal to have open bargaining, we remain committed to advocating for our members’ interests.

Our next bargaining sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 16 in Sacramento.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

BARGAINING UPDATE #4: September 6, 2024

Our Midwife bargaining team met with Kaiser management on Wednesday, September 4 and Thursday, September 5 to continue negotiations for our contract. We grappled with contentious issues during this week’s negotiations.

A primary obstacle to progress was the issue of NEO, evaluation and harassment. Kaiser management remains steadfast in its stance on these critical matters, a position that we vehemently oppose. We firmly believe that these demands are non-negotiable and must be addressed to ensure a safe and equitable workplace for all midwives.

Additionally, management continues to oppose observers at our bargaining sessions, but our dedicated members remain steadfast in their support of our bargaining team in a demonstration of solidarity. While we did present our proposals regarding seniority and recognition & coverage, these topics will be further discussed at our upcoming bargaining meeting scheduled for September 25 and 26 in Concord.

Our commitment to achieving a fair and equitable contract that safeguards the rights and interests of all Northern California midwives at Kaiser remains unwavering. We will continue to advocate for a contract that aligns with our dedication to providing exceptional care to our patients.

Please stay informed as negotiations unfold!

To download this bargaining update, click here.

BARGAINING UPDATE #3: August 23, 2024

Our midwives bargaining team met with Kaiser Permanente representatives on Wednesday, August 21 and Thursday, August 22, 2024 to continue bargaining for our first UNAC/UHCP contract after a two-month interval.

Our bargaining team reached three Tentative Agreements (TAs) on the following topics:

  • Health and Safety: Shares that the employer will follow all safety laws and investigate CNMs’ safety concerns.
  • Non-Discrimination: Protects members from discrimination in the workplace.
  • 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.

We have had discussions on Probation, performance reviews, management authority, union recognition, hiring
criteria, job postings, and new employee onboarding.

We’ve made some progress, but we’re deeply concerned about management’s insistence on imposing language
from other contracts that don’t fit our needs. We’ll keep fighting for fairness and transparency, and we won’t accept unfair terms. Lastly, we’re taking a stand against management’s refusal to allow observers at our bargaining sessions. We’ve introduced observers to the table to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

BARGAINING UPDATE #2: June 20, 2024

Following our first session of negotiations on May 30th, our bargaining team reconvened with Kaiser Permanente representatives on Tuesday, June 18 to continue bargaining for our first UNAC/UHCP contract.

While no tentative agreements (TAs) were reached today, Kaiser introduced proposals on probationary periods and performance evaluations. Our team will thoroughly review these proposals and formulate a response in the coming sessions.

Member Participation:
Kaiser has taken an unprecedented approach, by objecting to members attending bargaining. We have a history of over 50 years of bargaining with Kaiser without any issues regarding member attendance. Kaiser’s current insistence on conducting negotiations behind closed doors raises concerns about their transparency.

We had several dedicated members travel from across the Northern California region to observe the session. Although they were unable to attend the session itself, they actively participated in our caucus. We remain confident in our members’ right to be involved in this process and will continue to pursue all avenues.

Next Steps:
Looking ahead, our next bargaining meetings will be held in Sacramento, with the location to be announced soon. The tentative dates for these sessions are July 10 and 11. We will keep you updated as we progress. Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

BARGAINING UPDATE #1: May 30, 2024

We kicked off this month with training on Wednesday, May 29, and negotiations on Thursday, May 30. We had a joint training session with management on interest-based negotiations, with the intention to work collaboratively to address concerns at the bargaining table, reflecting the foundations of our labor-management partnership.

We started the second day with a joint discussion with management on ground rules for bargaining, including logistics such as meeting cadence, location, and attendees. We also began discussions on the topic of courtesy to solidify the respectful and dignified treatment of our midwife colleagues.

Our next bargaining date is Tuesday, June 18. Stay tuned for more updates!

In case you missed it, we would like to reintroduce our NCAL KP midwives bargaining team from each area:

  • Hannah Pena – San Rafael/Santa Rosa/Vacaville/Vallejo
  • Emily Hardy – Fresno/Redwood City/San Francisco/San Jose/Santa Clara/South San Francisco
  • Jessica Martinez – Oakland/San Leandro
  • Kelsey Kosmadakis – Modesto/Walnut Creek
  • Jennifer Scholz – Roseville/Sacramento/South Sacramento

To download bargaining update, click here.