SEATTLE, Wash.-Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in Washington have voted to ratify a new contract impacting 3,000 workers across the state.
According to a press release from Kaiser, under the new agreement, reached two weeks after national Kaiser workers negotiated a new contract, workers in Washington will see a 17-25 percent wage increase in the next 12 months.
“This new contract with Kaiser Washington is a win for both healthcare workers and patients,” said Jane Hopkins, registered nurse and president of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.
Increases in the new contract include a 30 percent total raise for RNs, LPNs, and most techs, 27 percent for ARNPs and a 35 percent increase for environment service workers according to Kaiser’s press release.
Additionally, the new contract addresses racial justice and workplace equity concerns raised by workers, many of whom are BIPOC and immigrant workers, and have faced discrimination in their workplaces.
“We’re confident these historic wins will improve access to quality care for patients, and allow Kaiser to begin addressing the staff recruitment and retention crisis,” said Hopkins.
