Julie Su (’94), Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, was quoted by NPR discussing negotiations between Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, to which both sides credited her in-person involvement culminating in a 3 a.m. tentative agreement ending the U.S.’ largest healthcare labor dispute (“After Historic Strike, Kaiser Permanente Workers Win 21% Raise over 4 Years,” Oct. 13). “This agreement demonstrates what is possible when workers have a voice and a seat at the table. . . . Collective bargaining works. It may not always look pretty. But unions have, throughout our nation’s history, built the middle class,” she said. President Biden also issued a statement celebrating Julie’s efforts, stating, “I’m also grateful for the role Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su played in bringing these parties together. This isn’t the first time Acting Secretary Su has helped essential workers and their employers reach an agreement. She continues to play an integral role helping my administration and workers across this country build an economy that works for everyone.” (“Statement from President Joe Biden on Tentative Agreement Between Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions,” Oct. 13).
