In our union, progress doesn’t just happen, it’s made by members. Over the last 100 days, three Kaiser members have stepped into leadership roles as KP Contract Specialists to transform how we support our stewards and address workplace issues. Their work exemplifies the power of union leadership, the strength of partnership, and the impact of organized action.
Meet your new Contract Specialists
Contract Specialists are experienced union members who:
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Develop Stewards by training and mentoring them on contract enforcement.
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Track and Manage Grievances across multiple departments.
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Support the Frontlines by helping stewards resolve issues quickly and effectively.
They’re not just responding to problems, they’re building a stronger, more proactive union.
Justice Wilson
I am a Medical Assistant in KP’s Float Pool I am coming into my fifth year with Kaiser and have been a steward for almost four years. I am also the Vice Chair of SEIU Local 105’s COPE committee and one of this year’s contract specialists.
Over the last few years, I’ve been dedicated to enhancing my stewarding skills through the annual Union Delegates Conferences and volunteering in other external organizing campaigns. My involvement in campaigns to establish the right to unionize reflects my strong belief in giving back, which fosters mutual understanding and a unity forged in fire. I am committed to the principle that everyone deserves decent pay and benefits.
Read more about Justice
In my free time, I actively defend employee rights against detrimental aspects of Colorado law by lobbying and testifying on various bills in the Colorado State Senate and House of Representatives. My aim is to ensure that all employees have a fair chance to thrive in our state.
I am passionately fierce about my SEIU family and committed to their protection. I believe my wit, determination, communication skills, and ability to think on my feet are crucial assets that have enabled me to protect our members effectively as a Contract specialist.
Tonya Stoner
I am an LPN with Kaiser in Fort Collins, and previously worked at Rock Creek. I have been bleeding purple since the day I was hired at KP. However, I have been a union steward for 10 years.
During that time I have had the pleasure of being part of the local Bargaining team, multiple interstate learning opportunities with the Coalition and participate in various committees, such as the UDC planning committee with the Coalition, the scope of practice committee, and even helped create the Daisy/Bee committee.
I am passionate about learning, communicating, and teaching others, and I have a deep-seated compassion for people, which is essential in nursing and the Contract Specialist role.
Read more about Tonya
I have enjoyed contributing to the growth of other stewards over the years and creating stronger union bonds, because knowledge is power. My calm and collected demeanor is an asset in high-stress situations, allowing me to support new stewards facing challenges.
I possess extensive knowledge in high-stakes negotiations for members and have a track record of securing favorable outcomes for them in difficult situations; never faltering in patience when dealing with difficult situations, a cool head is key. I have experience helping teams navigate stressful situations and atmospheres to find a harmonious way forward.
My ability to assist with research and case preparation has been a valuable asset as a CS. I have dedicated numerous hours to learning various programs.
Passion Hillsmon
I have been at Kaiser Permanente for 25 years, 24 of which having professional experience as a Steward, Chief Steward, Contract Specialist, IR/CA Expert Consultant, UBT Sponsor, and part of multiple bargaining sessions with Kaiser Permanente on behalf of SEIU Local 105 & membership.
I am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of the Contract Specialist again. My role as a Contract Specialist has allowed me to develop exceptional critical thinking skills and effective representation for SEIU Local 105 membership.
Read more about Passion
My skill set is invaluable in addressing the challenges and making strategic decisions as a Contract Specialist again. I have successfully collaborated with diverse teams, ranging from frontline union members, front line management and Senior KP management, physicians, and HR, in order to negotiate and advocate for our front line stewards, members and my Union.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong leadership skills, which have been essential in my role as a front line steward and Contract Specialist. My skill set will help our front line stewards feel supported and I’m hopeful the front line stewards will feel empowered as one unit, one team, one voice, and one sound. A family that fights together stays together. More Power for our Union!
When the new Kaiser Contract Specialists began, over 500 grievances were sitting stagnant in the system, many with no known status.
In just 100 days , they’ve made major strides:
Collaborating Through LMP (Labor Management Partnership)
These 100 days have also marked a new chapter in how we collaborate through the Labor Management Partnership (LMP). Thanks to the leadership of frontline stewards and the organizational support of Contract Specialists, LMP meetings now offer a real platform for resolution, not just discussion.
Together, management and labor are building trust by tackling long-standing issues head-on.
Building our Union and Strengthening our Membership: New Processes & Training
Beyond the backlog of Grievances, these new Contract Specialists created and implemented new:
Training programs to help stewards identify, file, and follow through on grievances
Processes to streamline how grievances are tracked and resolved
Structures, like the Oversight Grievance Committee, to ensure long-term accountability and faster resolution
How Member Leadership is Transforming Our Union
These first 100 days show what’s possible when members lead and when we invest in building the structures that support them.
With every steward trained, every grievance resolved, and every partnership strengthened, we lay the foundation for bigger wins, not just for today, but for the future of our union.
Justice, Tonya, and Passion’s work over the last 100 days is helping us turn short-term fixes into sustainable systems, empowering more members to step up and lead. They’re proving that when when members lead, we grow our strength from the inside out.
It’s only through dedicated members like these that we can realize the full potential of our union. When we organize, educate, and lead, we win big.
