More than 31,000 Kaiser health care workers remain on strike in California with patient services and surgeries affected.
The walk out continues to delay medical appointments as improved staffing, better pay and working conditions continue to be discussed with management and nurses. Members of the United Nurses Associations of California have never before walked off the job. The union, which is an umbrella organization for nurses and other hospital staff contends its employees are on average the highest paid among other health care organizations. It has proposed a 21.5% increase over four years. In a statement, a Kaiser spokesperson said negotiations are happening while health care costs rise and millions of Americans are at risk of losing insurance.
Staff are demanding a 25% raise over four years. Bargaining teams for Kaiser and workers continue negotiations after weeks of stalemate, but no agreement appears imminent. The strike, which started January 26, 2026.
Union leaders have argued that Kaiser can afford across-the-board wage increases given its $66 billion in reserves.
Kaiser contends its employees are on average the highest paid among other health care organizations. It has proposed a 21.5% increase over four years. In a statement, a Kaiser spokesperson said negotiations are happening while health care costs rise and millions of Americans are at risk of losing insurance.
“This underscores our responsibility to deliver fair, competitive pay for employees while protecting access and affordability for our members. We’re doing both,” the Kaiser statement says.
