San Diego, January 28, 2026
Thousands of nurses and healthcare professionals with Kaiser Permanente in San Diego County have entered a second day of strike action. They are advocating for improved wages and staffing conditions after a similar strike took place previously. The United Nurses Associations of California is representing the workers, who argue that the strike is necessary to address alleged unfair labor practices. Kaiser Permanente has acknowledged the strike while maintaining that operations will continue, albeit with adjustments to care services.
San Diego, CA
Thousands of Kaiser Permanente Workers Strike for Better Conditions
Thousands of Kaiser Permanente nurses and healthcare professionals in San Diego County have initiated a second consecutive day of strike action, demanding improved wages and staffing conditions. This follows a similar strike in October 2025, highlighting ongoing labor disputes within the healthcare sector.
Strike Details
The strike commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 7 a.m., with workers picketing at facilities including Zion Medical Center in Grantville, San Diego Medical Center in Kearny Mesa, and San Marcos Medical Center. The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) represents the striking employees, who include registered nurses, pharmacists, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, midwives, physician assistants, rehab therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and other specialty healthcare professionals. The union has indicated that the strike will continue until a fair agreement is reached.
Union’s Position
The union asserts that the strike is a response to Kaiser’s alleged unfair labor practices and the company’s refusal to negotiate in good faith over staffing levels and workload standards. They emphasize that the strike is a lawful exercise of workers’ rights aimed at protecting both healthcare professionals and patients.
Kaiser Permanente’s Response
Kaiser Permanente has acknowledged the strike and stated that its facilities remain open. The company has implemented contingency plans, including shifting some in-person appointments to virtual care and rescheduling certain procedures. Kaiser highlights that the primary issue in negotiations is wages, offering a 21.5% wage increase over four years, and claims that employees already earn 16% more than peers in the industry.
Background
This strike follows a five-day walkout in October 2025, which ended with resumed negotiations. However, talks collapsed again in December, leading to the current strike action. The union accuses Kaiser of withdrawing from national bargaining discussions and engaging in unfair labor practices. The dispute centers on demands for better wages and staffing levels to ensure quality patient care.
Impact on Healthcare Services
During the strike, Kaiser Permanente has stated that it will continue to provide care, with some services adjusted to accommodate the reduced workforce. Patients with scheduled appointments are advised to check with their healthcare providers for any changes. The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as negotiations progress.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Strike Start Date | January 26, 2026, at 7 a.m. |
| Union Representing Workers | United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) |
| Facilities Affected in San Diego County | Zion Medical Center in Grantville, San Diego Medical Center in Kearny Mesa, San Marcos Medical Center |
| Number of Workers on Strike | Approximately 31,000 nurses and healthcare professionals in California and Hawaii |
| Union’s Main Demands | Improved wages and staffing conditions to ensure quality patient care |
| Kaiser’s Wage Offer | 21.5% wage increase over four years |
| Impact on Healthcare Services | Facilities remain open with adjusted services; patients advised to check for appointment changes |
FAQ
What is the reason for the strike?
The strike is in response to Kaiser Permanente’s alleged unfair labor practices and the company’s refusal to negotiate in good faith over staffing levels and workload standards. The union is demanding better wages and staffing conditions to ensure quality patient care.
How long will the strike last?
The strike will continue until a fair agreement is reached between the union and Kaiser Permanente. The union has indicated that the strike is open-ended.
How is Kaiser Permanente responding to the strike?
Kaiser Permanente has acknowledged the strike and stated that its facilities remain open. The company has implemented contingency plans, including shifting some in-person appointments to virtual care and rescheduling certain procedures. Kaiser emphasized that the primary issue in negotiations is wages, offering a 21.5% wage increase over four years, and noted that employees already earn 16% more than peers in the industry.
What impact will the strike have on healthcare services?
During the strike, Kaiser Permanente has stated that it will continue to provide care, with some services adjusted to accommodate the reduced workforce. Patients with scheduled appointments are advised to check with their healthcare providers for any changes. The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as negotiations progress.
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