Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su has been commended for facilitating a tentative labor agreement for Kaiser Permanente workers, marking yet another instance of her involvement in resolving labor disputes that could potentially harm crucial economic sectors.
Leaders of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions announced a tentative agreement with the healthcare giant after Su intervened in the bargaining process, averting a possible second strike from 75,000 workers across six states and the District of Columbia. During a press conference on October 13, Su lauded the collective bargaining process, stating that unions have historically been instrumental in building the middle class.
Her involvement in successfully resolving two large-scale labor disputes possibly challenges criticisms towards her currently stalled nomination for the permanent position of Labor Secretary. Some observers have questioned her comparative lack of experience in mediating labor disputes as compared to her predecessor Marty Walsh.
Both Kaiser management and the union lauded Su’s instrumental role in resolving the dispute. These sentiments echo those expressed by Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, who endorsed Su’s nomination and praised her involvement in the resolution of a dispute between the International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union and West Coast ports.
President Biden used this opportunity to highlight Su’s track record when the deal between Kaiser and the unions was announced, praising her ongoing contributions towards building an economy that empowers all.
While it isn’t unprecedented for the heads of the U.S. Labor Department to help resolve significant labor disputes, models for direct intervention by the Labor Secretary are traditionally not well-defined. However, Su’s inclusion in two intense bargaining sessions in Oakland, California, is evidence of her active participation.
The officials agreed to distance themselves from negotiations between the United Auto Workers and the “Big Three” in Detroit, despite initially announcing plans to dispatch Su and White House adviser Gene Sperling. About 25,000 UAW members have been striking since September 15, with President Biden even joining the picket line.
Despite the success of the Kaiser agreement, there are still questions concerning Su’s abilities as a mediator and her role in these negotiations, potentially related more to timing and luck than expertise. This viewpoint contrasts sharply with the praise she has received for effectively breaking the impasse by identifying the shared goals of the negotiating parties.
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