San Diego, California, January 24, 2026
Healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities in San Diego are voicing serious concerns about patient care as they prepare for a strike scheduled for January 26, 2026. Over 31,000 healthcare professionals, including nurses and pharmacists, are participating in the strike organized by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP). The strike highlights issues like staffing shortages, fair compensation, and retirement security, raising alarms about potential risks to patient safety and care quality.
San Diego, California – Nurses Raise Concerns Over Patient Care Ahead of Upcoming Strike
San Diego, California – Registered nurses and healthcare professionals at Kaiser Permanente facilities in San Diego have expressed significant concerns regarding patient care quality as they prepare for a planned strike set to begin on January 26, 2026. The strike is organized by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), representing over 31,000 healthcare workers across California and Hawaii. This action follows a series of labor disputes and strikes within the organization over the past year, highlighting ongoing tensions between Kaiser Permanente and its staff.
Upcoming Strike Details
The planned strike is scheduled to commence on January 26, 2026, and is expected to involve a substantial number of healthcare workers, including registered nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists. The primary issues leading to the strike include:
- Safe Staffing Levels: Concerns about inadequate nurse-to-patient ratios, leading to potential compromises in patient care quality.
- Fair Compensation: Demands for wage increases that align with the rising cost of living and reflect the value of healthcare professionals’ contributions.
- Retirement Security: Requests for enhanced retirement benefits to ensure financial stability for healthcare workers post-retirement.
Impact on Patient Care
Healthcare workers have reported instances where staffing shortages have led to delays in patient care, including the postponement of elective surgeries and longer wait times for appointments. These conditions have raised alarms about the potential risks to patient safety and the overall quality of care provided. The union emphasizes that the strike aims to address these issues to improve working conditions and, consequently, patient outcomes.
Background Context
This upcoming strike is part of a broader pattern of labor disputes involving Kaiser Permanente. In October 2025, a significant strike occurred, involving tens of thousands of healthcare workers across multiple states, driven by similar concerns over staffing shortages and compensation. Despite these actions, negotiations between Kaiser Permanente and the unions have yet to yield a resolution that satisfies all parties involved. The current strike notice underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing organizational operations with the well-being and demands of healthcare professionals.
Company’s Response
Kaiser Permanente has acknowledged the concerns raised by healthcare workers and has stated its commitment to ensuring safe staffing levels and fair compensation. The organization has proposed wage increases and other benefits in an effort to resolve the disputes. However, the union has expressed that these proposals do not adequately address the core issues, leading to the decision to proceed with the strike. Kaiser Permanente has also outlined contingency plans to maintain patient care during the strike, including the onboarding of temporary staff and the rescheduling of non-emergency services.
Conclusion
The planned strike by Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in San Diego reflects ongoing tensions within the organization regarding staffing levels, compensation, and working conditions. As the strike date approaches, both the union and the company continue to engage in negotiations, with the hope of reaching an agreement that ensures the delivery of high-quality patient care while addressing the needs and concerns of healthcare professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the reason for the upcoming strike by Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in San Diego?
The strike is organized by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) to address concerns over safe staffing levels, fair compensation, and retirement security for healthcare workers.
When is the strike scheduled to begin?
The strike is set to commence on January 26, 2026.
How many healthcare workers are expected to participate in the strike?
The strike is expected to involve over 31,000 healthcare workers, including registered nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists.
What are the main issues leading to the strike?
The primary issues include concerns about inadequate nurse-to-patient ratios, demands for wage increases that align with the rising cost of living, and requests for enhanced retirement benefits.
How has Kaiser Permanente responded to these concerns?
Kaiser Permanente has acknowledged the concerns and proposed wage increases and other benefits in an effort to resolve the disputes. However, the union has expressed that these proposals do not adequately address the core issues, leading to the decision to proceed with the strike.
Key Features of the Upcoming Strike
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Strike Date | January 26, 2026 |
| Number of Participants | Over 31,000 healthcare workers, including registered nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists |
| Primary Issues | Safe staffing levels, fair compensation, and retirement security |
| Company’s Response | Proposed wage increases and other benefits; union considers proposals inadequate, leading to the strike |
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