Breaking news: Southern California Kaiser pharmacists settle on new contract

Kaiser Permanente pharmacists in Southern California have finally agreed to a new 3-year contract. The new terms were reached after an extended battle that saw pharmacists vote to strike, then reject what Kaiser called a final offer that provided an 18% wage increase over 3 years and sharp cuts to retirement and other benefits. The final deal gave pharmacists a 20% wage increase over 3 years and delayed reductions in retirement benefits until the end of 2013.

Starting immediately, Kaiser pharmacists with less than 15 years of service will see their hourly rate increased from $64.74 to 68.63 with a final increase to $77.11 per hour in 3 years. That means an increase from $134,659 to $142,739 immediately and $160,381 in 3 years.

Pharmacists with more than 15 years of service will go from an hourly rate of $66.68 to $70.68 immediately and $79.42 in 3 years. That translates to a jump from $138,694 to $147,016 immediately and $165,187 in 3 years.