Kaiser Permanente and its unionized workers announced a five-year contract Thursday covering 82,000 employees. The HMO and union officials said the pact would cover nearly all Kaiser employees ? except doctors ? at more than 400 facilities. It includes annual pay raises, including as much as 5% in the first year, and more money for benefits and training. The deal covers nurses, lab technicians, pharmacists, janitors and cafeteria workers, among other positions.
See "Kaiser, Unions Agree on Contract", Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, September 29, 2005