More than 31,000 healthcare professionals, including nurses and support staff, concluded a five-day strike against Kaiser Permanente on October 19, 2025, without reaching a labor agreement. The strike, which began on October 14, marked one of the largest labor actions in the history of Kaiser unions, affecting medical facilities across California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii.
Members of the United Nurses Associations of California and the Union of Health Care Professionals participated in the walkout, demanding fair contracts that address economic concerns, particularly wages. The unions initially sought a 38% pay increase over four years, later adjusting their demands to a 25% raise, while Kaiser’s last offer stood at 21.5%.
Negotiations between Kaiser officials and union representatives are set to resume on October 22-23. A spokesperson for Kaiser, Terry Kanakri, emphasized that the focus of these discussions will be on economic issues, despite prior public statements highlighting staffing concerns. Kanakri stated, “Kaiser Permanente is resuming normal operations with a focus on the continued delivery of high-quality, affordable care to our members and communities.”
The strike drew thousands of workers to picket lines throughout the region. In San Diego County, over 2,500 Kaiser healthcare professionals demonstrated outside facilities, including the Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center. Workers expressed frustration over stagnant wages and insufficient staffing, which they believe compromise patient care.
The labor action also involved members of the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, representing about 4,000 workers at Kaiser facilities in Oregon and Washington. As a result of the strike, some Kaiser pharmacies closed temporarily due to staffing shortages.
Union officials claim that their members are advocating for better working conditions in addition to wage increases. Charmaine Morales, president of the United Nurses Associations of California, stated, “We welcome Kaiser back to the table to talk to us about patient care.”
In addition to the striking workers, local unions representing approximately 2,200 pharmacy assistants and technicians voted to authorize a strike due to unfair labor practices. If these workers proceed with their planned actions, it could lead to significant disruptions, particularly in pharmacy operations.
As the healthcare industry grapples with rising operational costs, Kaiser is attempting to maintain competitive pay structures while ensuring accessible healthcare for its members. The organization operates 40 hospitals and 608 medical offices nationwide, employing around 91,200 staff in Southern California alone, serving approximately 4.9 million members.
The outcome of the upcoming negotiations may set the tone for labor relations within the healthcare sector, particularly as other unions, such as UFCW Local 135, have also moved to authorize strikes in response to similar grievances. As this situation evolves, the focus remains on achieving a resolution that addresses the needs of healthcare professionals and ensures quality care for patients across the Kaiser network.