Los Angeles, CA, January 17, 2026
Approximately 31,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals in California and Hawaii have issued a 10-day notice to strike against Kaiser Permanente, set to begin on January 26, 2026. The strike is prompted by stalled contract negotiations, inadequate staffing levels, and compensation concerns. This action could impact nearly 20 hospitals and about 200 clinics, highlighting the urgent need for fair working conditions and patient care standards. Kaiser Permanente has expressed a desire to return to negotiations in response to the strike notice.
Los Angeles, CA – The landscape of healthcare labor relations is heating up as approximately 31,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals across California and Hawaii have issued a 10-day notice to strike against Kaiser Permanente. The planned walkouts could begin on January 26, 2026, led by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP). This significant action results from stalled contract negotiations and persistent concerns regarding inadequate staffing levels and fair compensation.
The planned strike is poised to affect nearly 20 Kaiser hospitals and about 200 clinics across both states, including essential facilities in San Jose, San Diego, and Honolulu. UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine S. Morales has called attention to the urgent need for safe staffing and fair wages, urging Kaiser to return to the bargaining table to address these critical issues.
In recent months, Kaiser employees have already demonstrated their dissatisfaction through a five-day strike in October 2025, which involved thousands of workers across California and Hawaii. While this earlier disruption was intended to jumpstart negotiations, it ultimately left many issues unresolved, leading directly to the present strike notice.
Kaiser Permanente has publicly stated its commitment to providing high-quality care, indicating that it is preparing contingency plans to ensure continuity of services should a strike occur. The organization has expressed a desire to resume negotiations with the union, with hopes for a mutual agreement that addresses the concerns raised by the healthcare workforce.
### Key Issues Behind the Strike
The crux of the dispute lies in several key areas that have caused frustration among healthcare workers:
– Stalled Contract Negotiations: Negotiations between Kaiser and the union have not yielded results, leading to increased tensions.
– Inadequate Staffing Levels: Workers have conveyed concerns regarding staffing shortages, which directly impact patient care and worker satisfaction.
– Compensation Concerns: Many healthcare professionals feel that their compensation does not adequately reflect the high cost of living in California and Hawaii, leading to calls for better wages.
### Impact on Healthcare Facilities
The potential strike, with its scale of nearly 31,000 affected workers, could have widespread implications for both patient care and operational efficiency at Kaiser facilities. With nearly 20 hospitals and 200 clinics facing potential disruption, both patients and communities could experience significant challenges. This situation illustrates the delicate balance between maintaining adequate healthcare services and ensuring fair conditions for those delivering that care.
### Kaiser Permanente’s Response
In response to the strike notice, Kaiser Permanente has communicated its intent to provide high-quality care while preparing contingency plans to mitigate the impact of any potential disruption. The organization has signaled its willingness to continue negotiations, aiming to find common ground that satisfies both the healthcare workforce and management.
### Conclusion
The ongoing situation highlights the complex dynamics between healthcare providers and their staff, as both sides address vital concerns regarding staffing, compensation, and working conditions. This strike notice presents an opportunity for local entrepreneurs and business leaders to assess how employee satisfaction, operational effectiveness, and regulatory environments impact overall economic health. As San Diego’s economy continues to evolve, the commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering innovation remains paramount.
### FAQ Section
What is the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP)?
UNAC/UHCP is a union representing approximately 31,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals across California and Hawaii, advocating for safe staffing, fair wages, and improved working conditions.
What are the main issues leading to the planned strike?
The primary issues include stalled contract negotiations, inadequate staffing levels, and compensation that does not align with the high cost of living in California and Hawaii.
How many facilities are affected by the planned strike?
The strike could impact nearly 20 Kaiser hospitals and approximately 200 clinics across California and Hawaii.
What actions has Kaiser Permanente taken in response to the strike notice?
Kaiser Permanente has stated its commitment to providing high-quality care and is preparing contingency plans to ensure continuity of services during any potential strike. The company has also expressed a desire to resume negotiations with the union to reach a fair agreement.
What was the outcome of the previous strike in October 2025?
The five-day strike in October 2025 ended with plans for further negotiations, but contract issues remained unresolved, leading to the current strike notice.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Strike Notice Issued | January 16, 2026 |
| Potential Strike Start Date | January 26, 2026 |
| Number of Affected Workers | Approximately 31,000 |
| Number of Affected Facilities | Nearly 20 hospitals and approximately 200 clinics |
| Primary Issues | Stalled contract negotiations, inadequate staffing levels, and compensation not aligned with the high cost of living |
| Previous Strike | Five-day strike in October 2025 |
| Kaiser Permanente’s Response | Preparing contingency plans and expressing a desire to resume negotiations |
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