Kaiser Workers Mount Second Strike for Better Staffing, Patient Care

Over 31,000 nurses and healthcare professionals in California and Hawaii demand Kaiser bargain in good faith

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:07pm

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Members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) went on an unfair labor practice strike at more than two dozen Kaiser Permanente hospitals and clinics across California and Hawaii. The workers are fighting for better staffing levels, timely access to quality care, a voice in decisions affecting patients, and improved wages and respect at the bargaining table.

Why it matters

This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between Kaiser and its frontline healthcare workers, who are advocating for better resources and working conditions to provide high-quality patient care. As one of the largest healthcare providers in the region, Kaiser's labor practices and treatment of its workforce have significant implications for the broader healthcare system and community.

The details

The strike involves over 31,000 UNAC/UHCP members, including registered nurses, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, pharmacists, physical therapists, and more. The union has been bargaining with Kaiser since May 2025, with some negotiations dating back to January 2024. UNAC/UHCP's contract with Kaiser expired on September 30, 2025, and in October the union held a five-day work stoppage. In December, the union filed an unfair labor practice charge, alleging that Kaiser attempted to bypass the agreed-upon national bargaining process.

  • The UNAC/UHCP contract with Kaiser expired on September 30, 2025.
  • In October 2025, UNAC/UHCP members held a five-day work stoppage.
  • In December 2025, the union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board.

The players

UNAC/UHCP

The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, representing 41,000 registered nurses and frontline healthcare professionals in California and Hawaii, 31,000 of whom work at Kaiser Permanente.

Kaiser Permanente

A large healthcare provider operating hospitals and clinics across California and Hawaii, engaged in contract negotiations with UNAC/UHCP.

Christabel Vann Nguyen

A night-shift operating room nurse who works at Kaiser Irvine and is a member of UNAC/UHCP.

Gerard Corros

A day shift charge nurse in Orange County and member of the Southern California nurses bargaining team for UNAC/UHCP.

Kelli Rubidoux

A physical therapist who works at Kaiser's Anaheim campus and is a member of UNAC/UHCP.

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What they’re saying

“We're tired of [Kaiser's] lack of commitment to our patients and the lack of respect they show for our work. We give our all every day and we don't have the necessary resources. We're here asking Kaiser to come to the table for our patients, so we can provide better care for everybody.”

— Christabel Vann Nguyen, Night-shift operating room nurse, Kaiser Irvine

“When you need something in health care, you look for a nurse. A physician cannot be a physician without a nurse. Health care will not be going anywhere without your health care professionals, without the PAs and MPs and nursing professionals.”

— Gerard Corros, Day shift charge nurse, Southern California nurses bargaining team

“Show up, knock it off. Let's go and get this settled. Do the right thing.”

— Kelli Rubidoux, Physical therapist, Kaiser Anaheim

What’s next

The National Labor Relations Board will decide on the unfair labor practice charge filed by UNAC/UHCP against Kaiser.

The takeaway

This strike underscores the critical role that frontline healthcare workers play in delivering quality patient care, and the need for healthcare providers like Kaiser to engage in good-faith negotiations to address staffing levels, working conditions, and other issues that impact their ability to serve their communities.