Kaiser Strike Ends Without Agreement for 31,000 Healthcare Workers

More than 31,000 healthcare professionals employed by Kaiser Permanente concluded a five-day strike on October 19, 2025, without reaching a labor agreement. The action saw union members, including nurses and medical staff, walk off their jobs to demand better wages and working conditions across multiple states, including California, Oregon, and Washington.

Despite the absence of negotiations during the strike, Kaiser officials announced that discussions are set to resume on October 22-23. Union representatives from organizations such as the United Nurses Associations of California and the Union of Health Care Professionals have been vocal about their demands for fair contracts. Charmaine Morales, president of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, expressed optimism for the upcoming talks, emphasizing the importance of patient care in discussions.

The strike was a response to labor contracts that expired on September 30 and October 1. Local unions provided 10-day strike notices, leading to a significant mobilization of healthcare workers who participated in daily picketing. Kaiser has confirmed that it will return to normal operations on the days of negotiation, prioritizing the delivery of high-quality care to its members.

Terry Kanakri, a spokesperson for Kaiser, indicated that the primary issue in negotiations revolves around wages. While staffing concerns have been highlighted, Kanakri stated that “wages are the reason for the strike.” Kaiser has offered a 21.5% pay increase, while unions initially sought a 38% hike over four years, later adjusting their demand to 25%.

The strike was notable as it involved the largest number of Kaiser employees ever to participate in such an action, with thousands of temporary staff recruited to cover essential roles during the walkout. Reports indicate that these temporary workers were compensated between $78 and $130 per hour, depending on their job responsibilities.

In addition to the 31,000 striking workers, approximately 4,000 employees from the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals also participated, affecting operations in Kaiser facilities across Oregon and Washington. The strike led to the temporary closure of some pharmacies, according to Kaiser’s official communications.

The alliance of unions involved in the strike included representation from the United Steelworkers Union, comprising over 8,600 healthcare workers, including licensed vocational nurses, medical assistants, and technical staff. Although not striking, pharmacy workers from Locals 324 and 770 voted to authorize a potential strike due to unfair labor practices, which could further complicate Kaiser’s operations if action is taken.

As negotiations approach, the urgency for resolution remains, especially with impending contract expirations for other union members. The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135, representing 350 workers in San Diego, has also voted to authorize a strike, which could lead to further disruptions.

Kaiser Permanente, which operates in several states, including Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., has a significant presence in California with 16 hospitals and 199 medical offices. The organization employs nearly 91,200 workers and serves approximately 4.9 million members in Southern California alone.

With negotiations scheduled to restart soon, both Kaiser and the unions involved will need to address the pressing issues of wages and staffing to prevent future disruptions and ensure the continued provision of healthcare services to millions of Americans.