Nurses Strike on Kaiser Permanente

All around California and Hawaii, there are nurses from Kaiser Permanente that are going on strike. The reason for this strike were for issues revolving around better compensation, safety, and overall respect for these healthcare workers that do a tremendous amount for our communities. Many workers have been complaining that they are not getting paid enough and that the safety in their work places are decreasing due to the fact that many of them are overworked. This issue will eventually be the cause as to why many workers experience burnout and exhaustion. This strike is planned to continue until an agreement is reached and there is a settlement of fair contracts. 

On Monday, January 26, 2026, there were 31,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals that walked out of over two dozen Kaiser hospitals and hundreds of clinics across the states of California and Hawaii. A majority of these nurses are members of the United Nurses Association of California/ Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP). These healthcare workers have been trying to gain attention and negotiate parts of their contracts since May of 2025. On October 2025, there was another 5 day strike however it did not resolve the cause. Kaiser had recently put out a statement on their website stating, “This open-ended strike by UNAC/UHCP is unnecessary when such a generous offer is on the table. The strike is designed to disrupt the lives of our patients -- the very people we are all here to serve.” 

While Kaiser has said to give negotiations to the union, the UNAC/UHCP has claimed that they have stalled these negotiations since December. They have also already filed an unfair labor practices charge against Kaiser to show that they are truly disappointed with the way that things are being handled, especially since these practices are unlawful.

These healthcare labor strikes have been happening all around America. For us to get the quality care that we deserve, these healthcare providers need to get the compensation that they deserve. As they continue to strike they will continue to show their dedication and determination to fight for themselves and what they believe is fair.

Image Courtesy: Ted Eytan