Kaiser Pharmacy Workers End 3-Day Strike

Employees return to work after protesting labor violations during contract negotiations

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Pharmacy and lab employees at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, including San Diego County, ended their three-day targeted unfair labor practice strike on Thursday. The United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents the striking workers, said the strike proved their strength and solidarity, and they are prepared to escalate again if Kaiser does not respect workers.

Why it matters

This strike highlights ongoing labor tensions between Kaiser Permanente and its healthcare workers, who are seeking fair contracts and protesting what they see as unfair labor practices by the healthcare provider. The strike disrupted pharmacy and lab services across Southern California, raising concerns about patient care.

The details

The UFCW members walked off the job on Monday to protest what they call "Kaiser's labor violations throughout negotiations that have prevented frontline health care workers from getting the fair contract they deserve." The striking workers included pharmacy assistants, pharmacy technicians, clinical lab scientists, medical lab technicians and clinical and administrative workers. Meanwhile, roughly 31,000 members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals continue their own strike, vowing to stay out until they receive a satisfactory contract offer.

  • The strike began at 7 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The striking workers were expected to return to work at 5 a.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

United Food and Commercial Workers

The union that represents the striking Kaiser Permanente pharmacy and lab employees in Southern California.

Kaiser Permanente

The healthcare provider that employs the striking workers and has been accused of unfair labor practices during contract negotiations.

United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals

A separate union representing 31,000 healthcare workers, including registered nurses, pharmacists, and other specialists, who are also on strike against Kaiser Permanente.

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What they’re saying

“Our strength and solidarity this week proved we are prepared to escalate again if Kaiser refuses to respect workers.”

— United Food and Commercial Workers, Union representing striking workers

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the striking workers to remain on the picket line or order them back to work.

The takeaway

This strike underscores the ongoing labor tensions between Kaiser Permanente and its healthcare workforce, who are demanding fair contracts and protesting what they view as unfair labor practices. The disruption to pharmacy and lab services highlights the potential impact of these labor disputes on patient care.