In a Law360 article titled, "4 Union Contract Talks To Watch In 2023," Traditional Labor Law Practice Co-Chair Amy Moor Gaylord in Chicago reviewed some of the most important contract talks this year, including a negotiation at national healthcare organization Kaiser Permanente. After nearly four years with a collective bargaining agreement covering 85,000 workers, a coalition of 12 unions and Kaiser Permanente are headed into contract talks for an agreement that expires Sept. 30, 2023.

Law360 wrote, "Amy Moor Gaylord, a management-side attorney at Akerman LLP, said the 'world is completely different' from when contracts like the one with Kaiser Permanente were reached before the pandemic."

"Many concerns, such as staffing shortages and safety, have come to the forefront and will loom over negotiations, she said."

"'It's a Catch-22. You can't find people to hire, and yet you're getting pressed [by the union] to hire more people,' Gaylord said. She advised management to be 'prepared on all fronts' and anticipate potential work stoppages."