Kaiser Permanente Workers Ratify 4-Year Contract

Deal includes 21.5% wage increases and safeguards against AI impacts

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Over 4,000 Kaiser Permanente pharmacy workers, lab technicians, and other employees across Southern and Central California have ratified a new four-year contract. The agreement includes 21.5% in wage increases over the next four years, with additional market adjustments bringing the total value to 25%-30% for many members. The contract also includes language to safeguard against the impact of artificial intelligence.

Why it matters

This contract represents a significant victory for Kaiser Permanente workers, who were able to secure substantial wage increases and protections against the potential impacts of AI technology on their jobs. The deal highlights the ongoing tensions between healthcare workers and employers over issues like compensation and the role of automation.

The details

The contract was negotiated by 11 UFCW local unions and is valid through March 2030. In addition to the wage increases, the deal includes new language on AI and the use of technology. Earlier this year, the workers staged a three-day strike against Kaiser Permanente facilities across Southern California and Bakersfield.

  • The new contract was ratified on March 28, 2026.
  • The contract includes 6.5% wage raises in March and October of 2026.
  • The contract is valid through March 2030.

The players

United Food and Commercial Workers Southern California

The union representing over 4,000 Kaiser Permanente pharmacy workers, lab technicians, and other employees across Southern and Central California.

Kaiser Permanente

The healthcare provider that employs the workers covered by the new contract.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We came together with Kaiser Permanente workers across the country to achieve these strong successor contracts. It reflects the months of hard work that went into negotiations and the solidarity shown by all of us at the bargaining table and the Alliance of Healthcare Unions.”

— UFCW Southern California Kaiser Permanente Bargaining Committee

“With significant wage increases, more funding for training and education, and new language on AI and the use of technology, we'll be better able to care for our patients at work and our families at home.”

— UFCW Southern California Kaiser Permanente Bargaining Committee

The takeaway

This contract represents a major win for healthcare workers in Southern and Central California, who were able to secure substantial wage increases and protections against the potential impacts of AI technology. The deal highlights the ongoing tensions between workers and employers in the healthcare industry over issues like compensation and the role of automation.