Los Angeles, California, January 30, 2026
In a crucial labor movement, over 3,000 pharmacists and technicians in Southern California are set to strike against Kaiser Permanente, demanding improved wages and working conditions. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) is leading the strike, stemming from ongoing frustrations over contract negotiations. This action follows a larger wave of strikes in the healthcare sector and highlights the need for better staffing levels and respect in negotiations.
Los Angeles, California
Over 3,000 Pharmacists to Strike Against Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles
Healthcare workers from across Southern California demand better pay and working conditions
On February 9, 2026, over 3,000 pharmacists and technicians at Kaiser Permanente facilities in Southern California are set to join an ongoing strike. This planned action follows previous postponements and is part of a larger wave of labor movements across the healthcare sector in the region, where thousands of workers are advocating for better working conditions amid rising costs of living.
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Southern California locals are leading the charge, representing pharmacy and laboratory employees. Their decision to issue a 10-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike notice highlights ongoing frustrations with Kaiser Permanente’s handling of contract negotiations, which employees argue have stalled their efforts to secure a fair contract. Picketing is expected at select Kaiser medical centers throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and other counties.
Context of Labor Action
This upcoming strike reflects a broader labor movement, including over 31,000 healthcare workers represented by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP). These professionals initiated their strike on January 26, 2026, demanding safer staffing levels and improved compensation. With at least two dozen hospitals affected, this has become one of the largest healthcare worker strikes of the year, comprising diverse categories of staff including registered nurses, pharmacists, and therapists.
Kaiser Permanente’s Position
In response to the looming strike, Kaiser Permanente has affirmed its commitment to bargaining in good faith. The organization has prepared contingency plans to maintain service levels during the strike, indicating that hospitals and medical offices will remain open. Kaiser plans to shift many non-essential appointments to virtual formats and has mobilized over 1,000 employees to address staffing gaps during this period.
Core Issues at Stake
The ongoing disputes mainly arise from contract negotiation challenges between Kaiser Permanente and various unions representing healthcare workers. Key issues for the striking workers include demands for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living, guaranteed safe staffing levels to protect both staff and patient health, and overall respect during negotiations. Concerns over chronic understaffing and inadequate patient-to-staff ratios remain prevalent.
The Role of the Alliance of Health Care Unions
The Alliance of Health Care Unions, which encompasses 21 local unions representing approximately 52,000 Kaiser Permanente employees, is heavily involved in the negotiations. Advocating for better working conditions and improved compensation, the Alliance is at the forefront of this labor action, emphasizing their call for respect and fair treatment in the workplace.
Current Negotiation Status
The labor negotiation landscape remains fluid, as both Kaiser Permanente and the unions are working to address the concerns raised by healthcare workers. Each side has expressed a willingness to reach an agreement that upholds patient care standards while also ensuring that the workforce is adequately compensated and supported. The outcome of these negotiations will be critical in determining future labor actions and the path forward for healthcare in Southern California.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the reason for the upcoming strike by pharmacists and technicians at Kaiser Permanente?
Over 3,000 pharmacists and technicians at Kaiser Permanente facilities in Southern California are set to join an ongoing strike on February 9, 2026, following a previous postponement from February 3, 2026. This action is part of a broader labor movement involving thousands of healthcare workers across the region.
Which unions are representing the workers involved in the strike?
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Southern California locals represent pharmacy and laboratory employees involved in the strike. Additionally, the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) represents over 31,000 healthcare workers who initiated their strike on January 26, 2026.
What are the main issues leading to the strike?
The strikes are driven by demands for wage increases that keep up with the high cost of living, safe staffing levels to protect the physical and mental health of workers, and respect at the negotiating table. Workers have expressed concerns over chronic understaffing, unsafe patient-to-staff ratios, and wages that have not kept pace with inflation.
How is Kaiser Permanente responding to the strike?
Kaiser Permanente has stated its commitment to bargaining in good faith and has prepared contingency plans to ensure services during the strike. The company has indicated that hospitals and medical offices will remain open during the strike and will shift appointments to virtual care via phone, video, and e-chat. In some cases, health appointments, elective surgeries, and procedures may be rescheduled. Additionally, more than 1,000 Kaiser employees have volunteered to be reassigned to work in strike locations, and the company is onboarding up to 7,600 nurses, clinicians, and other staff to work during the strike.
What is the Alliance of Health Care Unions, and what role does it play in this situation?
The Alliance of Health Care Unions is a federation of 21 local unions representing approximately 52,000 Kaiser Permanente employees. The Alliance has been involved in ongoing contract negotiations with Kaiser Permanente, advocating for improved working conditions and compensation for healthcare workers. Key issues include wage increases, safe staffing levels, and respect at the negotiating table.
What is the current status of the labor negotiations and potential for further labor actions?
The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing negotiations and potential for further labor actions. Both Kaiser Permanente and the unions have expressed a desire to reach a resolution that addresses the concerns of healthcare workers while maintaining quality patient care. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the future course of labor actions and the resolution of the disputes.
Key Features of the Strike and Labor Negotiations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Strike Date | February 9, 2026 |
| Number of Workers Involved | Over 3,000 pharmacists and technicians in Southern California |
| Representing Unions | United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Southern California locals |
| Key Issues | Wage increases, safe staffing levels, respect at the negotiating table |
| Employer Response | Commitment to bargaining in good faith, contingency plans for services during the strike |
| Alliance of Health Care Unions | Federation of 21 local unions representing approximately 52,000 Kaiser Permanente employees |
| Current Status | Ongoing negotiations, potential for further labor actions |
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