31,000 Kaiser Permanente Health Care Workers Strike

Workers demand better wages and staffing from the health care giant

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:47pm

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An estimated 31,000 registered nurses and other front-line Kaiser Permanente health care workers in California and Hawaii launched an open-ended strike this week to demand better wages and staffing from the health care company. The union accused Kaiser of refusing to return to national bargaining discussions, while Kaiser said the union had agreed to return to local bargaining.

Why it matters

This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between health care workers and large providers over wages, staffing levels, and working conditions. As one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, Kaiser's ability to reach a deal with its workers could set an important precedent for the industry.

The details

The picketing that began Monday marked the second major walkout in recent months by employees represented by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals. Workers, including pharmacists, midwives and rehab therapists, are asking for a 25% wage increase over four years to make up for wages they say are at least 7% behind their peers. Kaiser has countered with a 21.5% increase over four years, arguing that its represented employees already earn 16% more than their peers on average.

  • The strike began on Monday, January 27, 2026.
  • A previous five-day strike by Kaiser workers ended in October 2025, with negotiations resuming but then breaking down in December.

The players

United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals

The union representing the 31,000 Kaiser Permanente health care workers who launched the strike.

Kaiser Permanente

One of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.6 million members at 600 medical offices and 40 hospitals in largely western U.S. states.

Greg Holmes

Kaiser's chief human resources officer, who accused the union of making "illegal threats" that "compromised the national bargaining process."

Arezou Mansourian

A physician assistant on the union's bargaining team, who said Kaiser has been unable to retain and recruit providers, impacting patient care.

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What they’re saying

“We will continue to push Kaiser to stop their egregious unfair labor practices against the frontline workers who deliver the best care for their patients and billions in profit to do the right thing, and come back to the table to bargain in good faith.”

— Union bargaining committee

“Illegal threats are a line that cannot be crossed. This union official's actions have compromised the national bargaining process and undermined both parties' ability to continue good-faith bargaining.”

— Greg Holmes, Kaiser's chief human resources officer

“We know it's a pain right now, but it's so that we can take care of you better in the future.”

— Arezou Mansourian, Physician assistant on the bargaining team (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between health care workers and large providers over wages, staffing levels, and working conditions. As one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, Kaiser's ability to reach a deal with its workers could set an important precedent for the industry.