Kindred San Diego workers ratify contract with 26 percent average wage increases
NUHW members at Kindred San Diego have ratified a contract that will raise average wages 26 percent over three years.
The contract marks a major victory for nearly 100 NUHW members at the San Diego non-acute hospital. When bargaining began on November 11, 2022, Kindred declined to offer the same wage rates as NUHW members had recently secured at two Kindred hospitals in Orange County.
Frustrated by Kindred’s approach to bargaining, the NUHW members, who include nurses, nursing assistants, housekeepers, respiratory therapists and dietary workers, authorized a three-day strike.
But about a week before the work stoppage was set to begin, Kindred returned to the bargaining table and agreed to the best contract with the highest wage scale of any Kindred hospital in Southern California. For several workers, wages will increase by as much as 65 percent.
“We won this contract because we were willing to stay united and committed to our principles,” said Richard Fullbright, a respiratory care practitioner. “Management saw this when we overwhelmingly approved a strike authorization, and they finally decided to come to the table with a fair agreement that will limit turnover and lead to better and essential patient services remain in the community we serve.”
The contract includes:
- The hospital’s first ever wage scale that will significantly increase salaries for workers at the onset of the contract and as they gain seniority at the hospital.
- Annual wage increases, in addition to the wage scale, totaling 10 percent over three years.
- Longevity raises each year of the contract for workers with more than 5 years of seniority.
- More pay for working nights and weekends.
- A pathway for part-time and per diem workers to convert to full-time positions after repeatedly working 30 hours per week or part-time positions after repeatedly working 24 hours per week.
“We’re so happy to have won a ground-breaking contract that will significantly improve our compensation and the care our hospital can provide,” said Neil Negrampa, a respiratory care practitioner. “This is the best contract at any Kindred facility, and our victory is a testament to our willingness to strike for a fair deal. We’ve set a new standard that can help NUHW members at other Kindred hospitals improve their lives and help their hospitals better recruit and retain dedicated healthcare workers.”