Kaiser Permanente reaches agreement with pharmacists

The union representing more than 1,400 pharmacists employed by Kaiser Permanente Southern California has reached a tentative agreement with the company, heading off a threatened strike planned for June 2.

Benjamin Chu, president of Kaiser Permanente Southern California, issued the following statement:

“Kaiser Permanente pharmacists are highly valued members of our healthcare team. We have an outstanding group of pharmacists and we are delighted a tentative agreement has been reached that ensures their continued care for our members and patients,” Chu said. “We also deeply appreciate the flexibility of our members during this time. ”

The Guild for Professional Pharmacists posted an announcement concerning the tentative agreement on its website. “Strike is called off for 6/2 per the conditions of the [tentative agreement],” the posting stated. “There will be votes to ratify the TA. We will provide the information about the TA prior to the votes.”

The union postponed a scheduled strike earlier in May to June 2 after several negotiating sessions. Kaiser had made provisions for patients to fill prescriptions elsewhere.

The pharmacists were demanding the restoration of pensions Kaiser Permanente had taken away three years ago, healthcare benefits for part-time employees, and more time to fill prescriptions.