Dear Colleagues,

Tuesday, March 18, was the first of three bargaining sessions this week. The day’s activities included:

• The parties spent the morning working independently.
• The groups came together in the afternoon, and our team was pleased to receive a comprehensive response from CRONA on the package of proposals we passed last Tuesday, March 11.
• Our team has already begun to review CRONA’s latest package of proposals and is looking to respond as promptly as possible to keep the momentum going.
• The parties return to the table on Wednesday and Thursday this week, March 19 and 20.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

Thursday, March 13, marked the third and final day of bargaining for the week. The parties once again worked mostly independently in their caucus rooms. Both sides came together briefly in the afternoon, with CRONA providing us with responses on two non-economic topics. At this point, besides these two topics and PNDP, all other open topics are included in the comprehensive package proposal our bargaining team provided to CRONA on Tuesday. 

We appreciate the CRONA bargaining team flagging the typo that was briefly on our website. We immediately corrected this information and can confirm that the information shared with CRONA at the table and in the email update to nurses following the March 11 session was accurate.

We also provided CRONA with supporting details and information that further validates the following data points previously shared with CRONA:

• Our current LPCH/SHC wage rates are already higher than current Kaiser Permanente wage rates by 1.7% (average of $4.81 more per hour).
• Our current LPCH/SHC wage rates are already higher than current UCSF wage rates by 0.6% (average of $2.54 more per hour).

We look forward to receiving CRONA’s response to our initial economic proposal and continuing discussions on the remaining open topics when the parties return to the table next week on March 18, 19 and 20.   

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

On Wednesday, March 12, the parties largely worked separately in their caucus rooms on responses to each other’s proposals. We look forward to receiving CRONA’s response to our initial economic proposal and continuing discussions on that and other open topics.  

The parties return to the table for one additional bargaining session this week, March 13, and then again for three sessions next week on March 18, 19 and 20.   

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

Tuesday, March 11, marked the first of three negotiations sessions for the week.

• During the session, we provided CRONA with our initial economic proposal response. It is important to note that this proposal is a starting point for further discussion, and we are dedicated to reaching an agreement that recognizes our nurses and puts us in a place for mutual success.
  
  
  • We are committed to continuing to provide competitive wages based upon the market. Before factoring in any new increases reached as part of these negotiations:
    • Our current LPCH/SHC wage rates are already higher than current Kaiser Permanente wage rates by 1.7% (average of $4.81 more per hour).
    • Our current LPCH/SHC wage rates are already higher than current UCSF wage rates by 0.6% (average of $2.54 more per hour).
      

  • We are committed to being among the market leaders when it comes to benefits.
    • Our team shared how current medical, dental, retirement and PTO benefits for our CRONA nurses compare favorably against national benchmarks.
      
      
  • We are committed to fully supporting our nurses and their careers, and our high retention rates show it. It is our goal that nurses want to stay and grow with us.
    • Our nurses have turnover rates well below other hospitals:
      • 2024 SHC: 6.6%
      • 2024 LPCHS: 5.97%
      • 2023 Benchmark: 18.4% (most recent data available)
        
        
• We encourage you to view our presentation to CRONA, which further highlights many of the things we should all be proud of. The presentation also flags various governmental and other revenue risks that we are actively monitoring and that have already had significant impacts on the healthcare sector, such as:
  • Proposed cuts to Medicaid by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
  • Impacts of tariffs on medical supplies, devices and medications
  • National Institutes of Health funding changes
    
    
• We look forward to continuing these important discussions around economics and all other open issues in our future sessions.
  
  
• The parties have two additional bargaining sessions this week on March 12 and 13.
  
  
• Please visit our website for the latest updates and to submit questions.
  
  

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

Wednesday, March 5, marked the last of three negotiations sessions for the week.

• The union provided a counter on PNDP, and we had further discussions on this topic.
  
  
• The Hospitals’ most recent PNDP proposal both expands and reinforces our commitment to providing a pathway for nurses interested in pursuing professional development and advancement. Our proposal:
  • Expanded eligibility for the PNDP program to include ADNs and diploma nurses who meet certain threshold eligibility requirements. Under the current PNDP, ADNs and diploma nurses are not eligible at all.
  • Added a brand-new category in which nurses can earn up to 15 points for participation in process improvement, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and/or research projects, including Research and EBP fellowships.
  • Eliminated the PNDP’s current CEU requirement.
  • Maintained the current BSN waiver language, which allows nurses who didn’t have a BSN as of March 2022 and who had attained a Clin III or Clin IV level to maintain that level under the PNDP
    
    
• The parties spent the remainder of the day in separate caucus rooms working on their respective proposals.
  • Our team also continues to focus on CRONA’s initial economic proposals.
    
    
• The parties return to the table next week for three additional bargaining sessions on March 11, 12 and 13.
  
  
• Please visit our website for the latest updates and to submit questions.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

Tuesday, March 4, the parties wrapped the second of three bargaining sessions for the week. Highlights include:

• The groups spent the majority of the day working in separate caucus rooms.
  • Specifically, our team continues to conduct their due diligence on CRONA’s initial economic proposals.
• The parties return to the table on Wednesday, March 5, with three more sessions scheduled for next week.
• As always, latest updates may be found on our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

Monday, March 3, launched the first of three days of bargaining this week. The session’s highlights include:

• Our team passed multiple proposals including New Technology and PNDP.
  • Our New Technology proposal includes strengthened language that makes it clear the hospitals are not looking to curtail or limit nurses in the exercise of their clinical judgment.
  • We look forward to continuing to work together on these topics and to having further discussions.
• Meanwhile, our team continues to diligently review CRONA’s initial economic proposals.
• The parties return to the table on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 4 and 5.
• For the latest information please visit our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

February 27 marked the end of three days of bargaining with CRONA this week. The session’s highlights include:

• We were pleased to receive CRONA’s comprehensive economic opener, which means that all topics are now on the table and can be considered in aggregate.
• CRONA also passed PNDP, New Technology and Rotator Schedules.
• Our team has already begun to work on responses with the intention to reply in an expeditious manner.
• The parties return to the table on Monday, March 3, with additional sessions scheduled for March 4 and 5.
• For the latest information please visit our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

Wednesday, February 26, wrapped up the second of three bargaining sessions scheduled for this week. The day’s highlights include:

• The day was once again spent in caucus rooms as the groups continued to work through topics, including the Professional Nurse Development Program.
• Both parties are committed to continuing to make progress before the week’s sessions conclude.
• The final session for the week is scheduled for February 27, and three additional sessions are scheduled for next week on March 3, 4 and 5.
• For the latest information please visit our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

Tuesday, February 25, kicked off the first bargaining session of the week and marked our 15^th session in total. Highlights include:

• The groups spent the day working diligently in separate caucus rooms in anticipation of passing additional proposals and responses this week.
• Given where we are in the process and the work that has already been achieved, working sessions can be extremely helpful in advancing proposals and keeping the momentum going.
• We have two more negotiation sessions scheduled for this week, February 26 and 27.
• For the latest information please visit our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

We held our final negotiation session of the week, and the 14^th overall, on Thursday, February 20. Highlights from the day’s session include:

• Our team passed a response on the Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP) that includes an entirely new category in which nurses can earn up to 15 points for participation in process improvement, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and/or research projects, including Research and EBP fellowships. Our proposal also adds points to some existing sections.
• The hospitals also provided a response on New Technology that upholds nurses’ decision-making and clinical judgment in providing world-class patient care. The language ensures that the hospitals have the flexibility to adopt new and emerging technologies that will further our shared commitment to providing that exceptional care.
• We have three negotiation sessions scheduled for next week, during which we hope to continue closing some of the remaining gaps.
• For the latest information please visit our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

We held the second of three negotiating sessions this week, and the 13^th overall, on Wednesday, February 19. Highlights from the day’s session include:

• CRONA responded to our team’s Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP) proposal from Tuesday. We appreciated the further discussion and points of view, and our team spent much of the afternoon working through CRONA’s response and preparing proposals on other topics.
• The Hospitals also provided responses on Internal Vacancies and Transfers, Weekend Staffing, PTO and Rotator Schedules.
• Our final session this week will take place today, February 20.
• For the latest information please visit our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

On Tuesday, February 18, we kicked off the first of this week’s three bargaining sessions with heavy hearts in remembrance of Marion Mullin, CRONA’s founder and first president. Highlights from the day’s session include:

• The parties reached conceptual tentative agreements (TAs) on the five topics our team passed at the last session: Staffing, Education Reimbursement, Investigations and Written Warnings, Grievance and Arbitration and Workplace Violence Prevention.
  • We are especially pleased to have come to an agreement on Workplace Violence Prevention, a top priority for both the union and the hospitals.
  • The Grievance and Arbitration TA includes each party advancing the names of four new potential arbitrators.
• Our team passed its initial response on the Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP). Our response included testimonials from three nurse managers (who are all former CRONA-represented nurses). They shared how the PNDP contributed to their career development as bedside caregivers and reinforced the importance of a rigorous PNDP in further driving nursing excellence.
• Negotiations will continue today, February 19, and tomorrow, February 20.
• For the latest information please visit our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

Thursday, February 13, marked the end of three bargaining sessions this week, as well as the 11^th session in total. A small earthquake shook the bargaining table but couldn’t rattle the parties as we made further progress in negotiations. Highlights from this session include:

• Our team put together a package of five important topics: Staffing, Education Reimbursement, Investigations and Written Warnings, Grievance and Arbitration and Workplace Violence Prevention.
• We believe this package reflects the priorities of both sides as well as the movement made by both sides over the previous 48 hours. It is our hope that this package allows the parties to close these non-economic issues out, and that we can reach agreement on this aggregate package prior to our next session.
• CRONA passed counterproposals on Weekend Staffing and New Technology.
• The parties return to the table for three days next week, February 18, 19 and 20.
• For the latest information please visit our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

On February 12, the parties wrapped up day two of three bargaining sessions scheduled for this week. This session marked the 10^th day of negotiations since the process started. Session highlights include:   

• We had a productive day, with CRONA getting back to us on a number of proposals.
• The parties have now exchanged counterproposals on almost all non-economic topics (13 of 15), including Staffing, On-Call Sleep Rooms, Rotator Schedules, PTO, Remote Work, Staffing Plans, Reduced Commitment, Workplace Violence Prevention, Educational Reimbursement, and New Technology.
• In terms of our response on New Technology, our proposal recognizes the importance of our Nurses and their skills, decision-making and clinical judgment in providing world-class patient care, while also ensuring the hospitals have the flexibility to adopt new and emerging technologies that will further our shared commitment to providing that exceptional care.
• Our team is also working diligently on the Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP) section and plans to pass an initial response during today’s session.
• Today, February 13, will be the final day of bargaining for the week, but the parties return to the table for three days next week, February 18, 19 and 20.
• Please visit our negotiations website for the latest updates.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

February 11 marked the first of three days of bargaining with CRONA scheduled for this week and our ninth day of negotiations overall. Highlights include:

• Our team started the day by passing five counterproposals on Educational Assistance, PTO, Relief Nurse Attendance, On-Call Sleep Rooms and Staffing.
• The CRONA team provided responses on Weekend Staffing and Rotator Schedules.
• In the afternoon our team came back with counterproposals on both Rotator Schedules and Weekend Staffing.
• A number of our passes include added protections and improvements for nurses.
• We look forward to making continued progress this week during our session today, February 12, and tomorrow, February13.
• As always, you can find the latest negotiations updates on our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

February 5 wrapped up three days of bargaining with CRONA this week and marked the eighth day of negotiations since the process began. Here are the highlights:

• Both parties are in agreement regarding the critical importance of the Workplace Violence language to protect our nurses while ensuring the highest quality of patient care. While the parties are not yet fully aligned, our team is focused on listening to and understanding CRONA’s position.
• Our team passed counterproposals on Staffing, Reduced Commitments, Rotator Schedules and Workplace Violence.
• The CRONA team provided responses on Staffing, PTO and Relief Nurse Attendance.
• We look forward to responding to additional proposals and making continued progress during our three sessions next week – February 11, 12 and 13.
• As always, you can find the latest negotiations updates on our website.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

February 4 marked day two of three bargaining sessions this week and our seventh session in total. The day’s highlights include:

• While most of the day was spent with both teams working separately in their caucus rooms, the teams exchanged several counterproposals.
• Our team passed counterproposals on Weekend Staffing, Grievance and Arbitration and Relief Nurse Attendance.
• The CRONA team provided responses on Staffing, On-Call and Sleep Rooms, Reduced Commitment and Workplace Violence.
  • Our team plans to respond to as many of these counterproposals as possible during our session today to carry the momentum from this week’s discussions into our three sessions next week – February 11, 12 and 13.
• Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

We returned to the table on February 3 for our sixth bargaining session with CRONA and the first of three scheduled this week. Our team continued its effort to close gaps and make progress on the issues CRONA has raised. The day’s highlights include:

• The parties reached tentative agreements (TAs) on Nurse Practice Committee (SHC) and Information Requests (SHC and LPCH).
• In addition, our team passed counterproposals on On-Call and Sleep Rooms, Staffing, Investigations and Written Warnings, PTO and Workplace Violence, as well as a response on Reduced Commitments.
• The CRONA team provided responses on Investigations and Written Warnings, Grievance and Arbitration and Workplace Violence, the last of which both teams continue to prioritize.
• The parties will meet again today, February 4, and tomorrow, February 5.
• Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

January 30 marked the third day of contract negotiations this week and our fifth session in total. The tone continues to be collaborative and professional, and the teams are steadily moving through proposals and closing the gaps where we can. The day’s highlights include:

• Our team passed our first counterproposals on Investigations and Written Warnings and Grievance and Arbitration. We also passed our second counterproposal on Workplace Violence.
• The CRONA team provided responses on Staffing, On-Call and Sleep Rooms, Schedule Posting and Workplace Violence.
• The teams focused much of their time on Workplace Violence, continuing important discussions and successfully narrowing differences.
• The parties made steady progress toward closing gaps on multiple sections and are optimistic that additional tentative agreements (TAs) can be reached when we meet next week on February 3, 4 and 5.
• Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

January 29 marked our fourth negotiation session with CRONA for our SHC and LPCH nurses and our second of three sessions scheduled for this week. The tone was again both positive and productive. The day’s highlights include:

• Our team passed counterproposals on Nurse Staffing, On-Call System and Sleep Room, Schedule Posting, Workplace Violence and Vacancies and Internal Transfers.
• The CRONA team provided responses on Shift Trades, Vacancies and Internal Transfers, and Nurse Practice Committee.
• The parties reached their first tentative agreement (TA) on SHC’s proposal on Section 22 – Time Off For CRONA Officers.
• In terms of our team’s Workplace Violence proposal, the safety of our staff and patients remains a top priority. Our proposal commits to:
  • Using best efforts to offer reassignments to RNs who have been subject to workplace violence or threats while continuing to ensure we meet our commitment to patient care.
  • Providing quarterly updates on both the number of workplace violence incidents as well as data on the reassignments offered.
• We will return to the table today, January 30, with both parties looking to exchange additional counterproposals and continuing to narrow gaps.
• Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

January 28 brought us back to the table with CRONA for our third day of contract negotiations for our SHC and LPCH nurses. We had another positive and productive session. The day’s highlights include:

• Our team focused the discussion on four of CRONA’s non-economic proposals (passed during the prior session). We asked clarifying questions to ensure our complete understanding of what CRONA is trying to solve for.
• Based on those discussions, our team will present our first counterproposals during today’s session on Nurse Staffing (Section 32), On-Call System and Sleep Room (Sections 7.7 and 7.7.1), and Schedule Posting (Section 17.9).
• We will also return to the table tomorrow, January 30, and we look forward to providing additional responses this week.
• Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

January 15 marked the second day of contract negotiations with CRONA on new contracts for the nurses of SHC and LPCH. We are happy to report another productive day. The session’s highlights include:

• CRONA kicked off the day by giving our team their full set of non-economic proposals. We greatly appreciate CRONA providing these so early in the process as it helps provide certainty on the issues to be discussed.
• Our bargaining team has already started reviewing these proposals and will also use multiple working sessions next week to prepare as many proposal responses as possible for when we meet again with CRONA on January 28, 29 and 30.
• During the session our team also provided CRONA with our own non-economic proposals. All non-economic proposals are now on the table, and we look forward to discussing these topics at our future sessions.
• Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

We have officially begun formal contract talks with CRONA, the first step toward our shared goal of reaching agreements on new contracts for the nurses of SHC and LPCH. We greatly appreciated the professional and productive discussions on our first day. A few points to highlight:

• The parties return to the table again on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
  • Both bargaining teams will provide their full set of non-economic proposals during the session.
• There is a great deal of work ahead, and as we mentioned in our earlier communication, we have an ambitious bargaining schedule. With the exception of next week, our schedule includes negotiations two to three times every week over the next three months.
• With negotiations, each day is unique. Some sessions may only require a very brief update, as the parties may be primarily in caucus or focused solely on a single important topic. Other updates may include much more detail—it will all depend on what happens at the table.
• Remember to check out our negotiations site. This site is your one-stop resource for updates and related bargaining information.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dear Colleagues,

As we look ahead to contract negotiations scheduled to begin on January 14^th, we want to share our commitment to you throughout the upcoming negotiations process.

We are committed to working together with CRONA to achieve our goal of delivering safe, high-quality patient care while recognizing the critical role our nurses play in our health care system and reinforcing our commitment to supporting you and the nursing profession.

Negotiations can be difficult and there may be differences of opinion during bargaining. That said, we are dedicated to working toward solutions that promote our productive, constructive partnership. We’re confident that’s possible because we share the same goal – contracts that promote superior patient care, support your work, your professional aspirations and your life away from work.

We currently have sessions scheduled throughout January, February and March, and we look forward to keeping you updated along the way. We also encourage you to visit this website, your central source for the latest updates and information.

We are grateful to be a part of this extraordinary nursing team, and we look forward to reaching an agreement as soon as possible so you can benefit from the improvements a new contract provides.