Kaiser Permanente settled the suit after two years of negotiations that involved more than 2,000 Black employees. The company also will put in place workplace programs designed to make sure compensation and career advancement opportunities are available for Black employees.
“As a mission-driven organization, we hold ourselves accountable for living our values by strengthening our inclusive culture and expanding our work to address any disparities and their root causes," says Christian Meisner, senior vice president and chief human resources officer of Kaiser.
“That is why we invited plaintiffs to participate in a negotiation process that led to this settlement,” Meisner added. “Across Kaiser Permanente we are increasing our efforts to advocate for fair and just treatment, opportunity, and advancement, as well as embedding accountability for equity at all levels of the organization. We will continue to promote positive change, equity, and total health for all–inside our organization and within our communities.”