More than 31,000 healthcare workers, including registered nurses, began a strike Jan. 26 at 21 Kaiser Permanente facilities across California and Hawaii.

The strike, which started at 7 a.m. local time, was organized by the workers’ union, the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP). The union called the walkout to protest worker intimidation and what they claim are unfair labor practices.

UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine S. Morales accused Kaiser of using internal messages to mislead workers. She said management exaggerated the risks of striking to discourage people from joining the walkout.

Main Issues in the Dispute

According to the Visalia Times-Delta, the union has highlighted four main issues during contract talks:

  • Claims that Kaiser is using legal excuses to slow down contract talks
  • A push for safe staffing levels
  • Fair pay and job security
  • Protection of retirement and health benefits

In addition to these points, union representatives raised concerns about how Kaiser manages its pension (retirement) funds. The union claimed Kaiser invested pension money in foreign firms, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention centers, and lenders with bad reputations. Union leaders say these investments go against Kaiser’s mission to provide healthcare.

Affected Locations

Most affected hospitals are in Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego. However, the strike also includes five locations in Northern and Central California—including Oakland—and one medical center in Honolulu.

This marks the second major strike by Kaiser employees in recent months. Between Oct. 14 and Oct. 19, more than 40,000 staff members walked out across California, Oregon, Hawaii, and Washington.

The Visalia Times-Delta reported that pay was a major sticking point during those contract talks in October. At that time, workers requested a 25% salary increase, while Kaiser Permanente proposed a 21.5% raise. Kaiser officials argued that the 25% raise would lead to higher costs for patients.