Demonstration Planned to Protest Decision to Place Profits Over Dependable, Quality Patient Care
November 11, 2013
In October, Kaiser Permanente Dental unilaterally eliminated a negotiated job classification, demoting periodontal hygienists to general hygienists. These highly qualified employees, many of whom have been with Kaiser for years, will now be compensated in a lower classification and will see a dramatic reduction in pay. Please note that on Wednesday, November 13, OFNHP union members and supporters from the community will be demonstrating in front of Kaiser headquarters, 500 NE Multnomah, Portland, from 11am-1:30pm. In addition, those general hygienists who received a differential increase in pay for periodi¬cally performing Periodontal Hygienist duties will now be required to perform the same duties and will not be compensated for working out of class because Kaiser has eliminated the class altogether. This changes the practices and working conditions for all of the 130+ dental hygienists, and is a change that was implemented by Kaiser management unilaterally, without negotiation.
According to Kaiser’s own statistics, the region’s dental membership has increased from 190,000 in 2011 to 205,000 in 2013. This growth is based on the excellent and focused care each patient receives. By eliminating the specialized classification of Periodontal Hygienist, this successful dental program is going to take a giant leap backward in providing the consistent care Kaiser members have enjoyed in the past.
It is OFNHP Local 5017’s position that this heavy-handed, anti-patient-care decision violates the current legal and binding contract between Kaiser and the Union. It also violates the patient’s trust that Kaiser Permanente puts high-quality patient care over profits.
Please note that on Wednesday, November 13, OFNHP union members and supporters from the community will be demonstrating in front of Kaiser headquarters, 500 NE Multnomah, Portland, from 11am-1:30pm.
