OAKLAND — Thousands of healthcare professionals employed by Kaiser Permanente in California walked off the job Tuesday morning — including at medical centers in Santa Clara and Oakland — to push for higher pay and better staffing, union officials said.
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The strike began at 7 a.m. Tuesday and is expected to continue through 7 a.m. Sunday and marks the largest action in the union’s 50-year history, according to a press release from United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, the union representing the striking workers. Negotiations for a new contract ended Oct. 10.
Kaiser’s pharmacies and medical offices will remain open during the strike, said Lena Howland, senior media relations and PR representative for Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Some appointments, including elective surgeries, may be rescheduled.
The union is seeking to gain higher wages, address “unsafe” staffing practices and “deteriorating patient care,” according to a press release from the union.
“This story isn’t just about numbers — it’s about patients, burnout, and a health care system at a breaking point,” the union said. “Kaiser made nearly $13 billion in profit in 2024 and holds $66 billion in reserves, yet refuses to meet reasonable proposals that would stabilize the workforce and improve care.”
Kaiser called the strike “unnecessary and disruptive,” citing its most recent offer of a 21.5% pay increase, Howland said.
“Anything beyond 21.5% will require us to further increase rates for our members and customers, at a time when health care costs are increasingly unaffordable and many are having to make the difficult choice to go without coverage,” Howland said. “We have a responsibility to do the right thing for our employees and our members and customers.”
Striking workers include pharmacists, nurses, midwives, physician assistants, dietitians and more. Heathcare workers in Hawaii and Oregon are also walking off the job, the union said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.