SEIU Security Officers Who Protect Kaiser Permanente Hospitals Nationwide Vote Overwhelmingly to Ratify First-Ever Unio...( LOS ANGELES July 25 --...),Health

LOS ANGELES, July 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Security officers with SEIU who protect Kaiser Permanente hospitals nationwide voted overwhelmingly today to ratify their first-ever union contract. The three year contract with private security company Securitas -- which is contracted by Kaiser to protect its facilities -- includes family healthcare and higher wages for the 2,000 officers nationwide.

"This is a great victory," said Dale Brown, an officer who protects the South Sacramento Kaiser Permanente Hospital. "Like any parent, I worry about being able to take care of my children if they get sick. I'm happy that I will be able to depend on quality care at the same Kaiser facilities that I protect every day."

The historic contract will increase hourly wages by at least $.40 per year, and ensure quality healthcare for officers and their families. For many officers the salary increase will be much greater as the contract sets new minimum wages.

"Winning healthcare and wage increases is not only a momentous victory for security officers at Kaiser, it also demonstrates that when workers come together and form a union they can win a path to the middle class," said Eddie Iny, Secretary-Treasurer of SEIU United Service Workers West. "All parties should be applauded for coming together to reach a fair and just agreement."

Details of contract

Healthcare

Kaiser healthcare plan with no deductible, no cost for hospitalization, and $10 co-pays for doctor visits and prescriptions.

Wages

Hourly wage increase of $.40 per year over life of the three year contract. New minimum wage rates for all regions, meaning that the lowest paid officers will see an initial increase up to $1.20.

Paid leave

Two days per year of paid sick leave, and two days paid berea
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