Optometrists & Optometric Assistants
Kaiser Optometrists joined ESC Local 20 in 1971 and have been at the forefront of the Kaiser Labor-Management Partnership since its creation in 1997. In 2002, the Optometric Assistant classification was created within this bargaining unit. Together, ESC Local 20 optometry professionals are deeply committed to improving members’ working conditions, facilitating professional advancement, and protecting quality patient care in Northern California.
Genetic Counselors & Genetic Coordinators
Genetic Counselors and Genetic Counselor Coordinators joined ESC Local 20 in 2010. They are highly trained, specialized medical professionals who provide education, counseling, and support for patients who are navigating complex issues around their genetic health. As union members, ESC genetic professionals advocate to have a secure voice at work and clear agreement on wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Clinical Laboratory Scientists & Medical Laboratory Technicians
Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLSs) at Kaiser Permanente locations throughout Northern California joined ESC Local 20 in 1974 and today comprise the largest bargaining unit in our Medical Professionals Unit. In 2010, this bargaining unit grew to include the newly created Medical Laboratory Technician (MLTs) classification. CLSs and MLTs ensure physicians have the data and information necessary to provide quality patient care.
As members of ESC as well as the Kaiser Labor Management Partnership and professional organizations like California Association for Laboratory Technology (CAMLT) and Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), Local 20 lab professionals work to advance, elevate, and increase understanding of the essential labor done in clinical labs.
Home Health Therapists
Home Health Therapists joined ESC Local 20 in 2017. These highly trained healthcare professionals provide in-home physical, speech, and occupational therapy services for Kaiser patients, and are the foundation of Kaiser’s vaunted Early Release After Surgery (ERAS) program, which allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes as soon as possible. Home Health Therapists’ union power and ESC contract, together with their membership in the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, give them a stronger voice at work and a clear agreement on wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Labor Management Partnership
Through the Labor Management Partnership (LMP), ESC Local 20 is a signatory to a National Agreement (2015 and 2019) that is bargained with the power of 80,000+ members of the Coalition to set wage increases and benefits and detail the collaborative work of the Partnership. Additionally, ESC Local 20 negotiates local agreements that address the unique needs of our four distinct Kaiser bargaining units: Clinical Lab Scientists and Medical Laboratory Technicians; Optometrists and Optometric Assistants; Genetic Counselors and Coordinators; and Home Health Therapists.
Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust
As a member of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, ESC Local 20 members can apply for a stipend for education and training programs, including continuing education requirements. The stipend includes up to 8 hours a week of paid time off and up to $16,000 per employee (lifetime benefit).
Clinical Lab Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Genetic Counselors, and Genetic Coordinators are part of our Union’s Medical Professionals Unit. Optometrists and Optometric Assistants are part of our Union’s Optometry Unit.
