Kaiser Permanente Workers End 4-Week Strike in California and Hawaii

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An estimated 31,000 registered nurses and other front-line Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in California and Hawaii will return to work on Tuesday after a four-week strike to demand better wages and staffing. The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals said 'significant movement at the bargaining table' prompted an end to the walkout, though details of the potential deal were not immediately released.

Why it matters

The Kaiser Permanente strike was one of the largest healthcare worker walkouts in recent years, highlighting ongoing tensions over wages and staffing levels at major hospital systems. The resolution of this strike could set the tone for future contract negotiations in the healthcare industry.

The details

The picketing that began on January 27 marked the second major strike in recent months by employees represented by the union. A five-day strike in October ended with negotiations resuming, but talks broke down in December. Those on picket lines, including pharmacists, midwives and rehab therapists, said salaries have not kept pace with inflation and there is not enough staffing to keep up with patient demand. They asked for a 25% wage increase over four years to make up for wages they say are at least 7% behind their peers. Kaiser Permanente had countered with a 21.5% increase over four years.

• The strike began on January 27, 2026.
• The strike lasted for four weeks and ended on February 24, 2026.
• Workers will return to their jobs on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

What’s next

The details of the potential deal reached between the union and Kaiser Permanente are expected to be released in the coming days.