Kaiser Strike Enters Fourth Week: 31,000 Workers Demand Better Pay and Staffing
Over 31,000 Kaiser Permanente health care workers have entered the fourth week of a strike, demanding better pay and staffing conditions. The strike began on January 26, 2026, and has significantly disrupted patient services across California and Hawaii.
Impact of the Kaiser Strike
As the strike continues, numerous patient appointments, surgeries, and treatments have been cancelled. The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, representing nurses, physical therapists, and midwives, are at the forefront of this movement. This is the first time the union has organized a strike.
Workers’ Demands
- A 25% wage increase over four years
- Improved staffing conditions
Workers argue that the wage increase is essential for recruitment and retention, particularly given inflationary pressures. Kaiser proposes a 21.5% rise over the same period, claiming it can manage the increase without raising member premiums.
Financial Context
Kaiser has reported significant financial fluctuations. After a $4.5 billion loss in 2022, they rebounded with net incomes of $12.9 billion in 2024 and $9.3 billion in 2025. The organization maintains that its $66 billion in reserves is allocated for long-term commitments, arguing against using these funds for immediate wage increases.
Disruptions Experienced by Patients
The ongoing strike has led to reports of long lines at pharmacies and delays in critical medical treatments. Patients like Cecilia Ochoa have expressed frustration, citing waits of over an hour for prescription refills.
Context of the Negotiations
The union asserts that its members last renegotiated a contract in 2021, before inflation peaked in 2022. Other larger unions under Kaiser agreements have secured inflation-adjusted wage increases post-2022. This disparity is a significant point of contention among striking workers.
Conclusion
As negotiations resume, the divisions between Kaiser’s administration and its health care workers remain unresolved. The outcome will shape not only employee conditions but also the care provided to millions of patients across the states served by the health system.
