San Diego, January 26, 2026
Beginning January 26, 2026, about 31,000 nurses and healthcare professionals at Kaiser Permanente facilities in California and Hawaii, including San Diego, will strike due to disputes over staffing, patient care, and wages. This follows a prior walkout in October 2025 which failed to secure a contract, leaving workers without an agreement since September 2025. Kaiser Permanente has expressed intentions to keep facilities open during the strike while maintaining patient care.
San Diego, California – Starting Monday, January 26, 2026, approximately 31,000 nurses and healthcare professionals at Kaiser Permanente facilities across California and Hawaii, including those in San Diego County, are set to begin an open-ended strike. The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) announced the strike due to persisting disputes over staffing levels, patient care, and wage negotiations.
The strike is scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m. local time on January 26, 2026. Picket lines are planned at several Kaiser Permanente locations in San Diego County, including the San Diego Medical Center, San Marcos Medical Center, and Zion Medical Center. Kaiser Permanente has indicated that its hospitals and medical offices will remain open during the strike, although some pharmacies may be closed. The organization has established extensive plans to maintain care and may need to reschedule some nonurgent appointments and elective surgeries. Patients with appointments on the strike date are encouraged not to cancel or reschedule, as Kaiser will reach out to them if rescheduling becomes necessary.
Negotiations between UNAC/UHCP and Kaiser Permanente have been ongoing since May 2025, aimed at achieving improvements in staffing levels, patient care, and wages. The union has alleged that Kaiser has engaged in unfair labor practices and has not bargained in good faith regarding these vital issues.
This upcoming strike follows a previous five-day walkout in October 2025, which failed to yield a contract agreement. Currently, workers have been without a contract since September 30, 2025. Although Kaiser Permanente has proposed a 21.5% wage increase over four years, the union contends that this offer does not sufficiently address staffing shortages and workload issues impacting patient care.
The implications of this strike could be far-reaching for healthcare services in San Diego County and other regions affected. Patients are advised to stay informed about the situation and to contact their healthcare providers for updates regarding their appointments and care plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the reason for the strike?
The strike is in response to ongoing disputes over staffing levels, patient care, and wage negotiations between the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) and Kaiser Permanente. The union alleges that Kaiser has committed unfair labor practices and has refused to bargain in good faith over these critical issues.
When is the strike scheduled to begin?
The strike is scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m. local time on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Which facilities will be affected by the strike?
Picket lines are planned at several Kaiser Permanente locations in San Diego County, including the San Diego Medical Center, San Marcos Medical Center, and Zion Medical Center.
Will Kaiser Permanente facilities remain open during the strike?
Kaiser Permanente has stated that its hospitals and medical offices will remain open during the strike, though some pharmacies may close. The organization has robust plans in place to ensure continued care and may need to reschedule some nonurgent appointments and elective surgeries. Patients with appointments on the strike date are advised not to cancel or reschedule; Kaiser will contact them if rescheduling is necessary.
What are the main issues leading to the strike?
The main issues leading to the strike include staffing levels, patient care, and wage negotiations. The union argues that Kaiser Permanente has failed to invest in safe staffing levels, timely access to quality care, and fair wages for frontline caregivers.
Has there been a previous strike?
Yes, there was a previous five-day walkout in October 2025, which did not result in a contract agreement. Workers have been without a contract since September 30, 2025.
What is Kaiser Permanente’s stance on the strike?
Kaiser Permanente has proposed a 21.5% wage increase over four years but argues that this offer balances fair pay with affordable care. The organization has stated that it remains committed to reaching agreements that recognize the vital contributions of its employees while ensuring excellent, affordable care.
Key Features of the Strike
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Strike Start Date | January 26, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. local time |
| Number of Workers Involved | Approximately 31,000 nurses and healthcare professionals |
| Locations Affected | Kaiser Permanente facilities across California and Hawaii, including San Diego County |
| Primary Issues | Staffing levels, patient care, and wage negotiations |
| Previous Strike | Five-day walkout in October 2025 without a contract agreement |
| Kaiser Permanente’s Proposal | 21.5% wage increase over four years |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
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