San Diego County, January 30, 2026
Kaiser Permanente health care workers in San Diego County are in their fourth day of an open-ended strike, demanding better wages and improved staffing levels. Approximately 31,000 registered nurses and other frontline health care professionals, represented by the United Nurses Associations of California, are participating in the walkout. The union alleges unfair labor practices by Kaiser Permanente, which has proposed a 21.5% wage increase while the union is seeking a 25% increase. The impact of the strike is significant, with picketing at various locations across the county.
San Diego, California – Kaiser Permanente Workers Enter 4th Day of Strike
San Diego, California – Kaiser Permanente health care workers in San Diego County have entered the fourth day of an open-ended strike initiated on January 26, 2026. Approximately 31,000 registered nurses and other frontline health care professionals, represented by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), are participating in the strike. The workers are demanding better wages and improved staffing levels.
Strike Details
The strike began at 7 a.m. on January 26, 2026, and is ongoing. UNAC/UHCP members include registered nurses, pharmacists, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, midwives, physician assistants, rehab therapists, speech language pathologists, dietitians, and other specialty health care professionals.
Union’s Position
The union alleges that Kaiser Permanente has committed unfair labor practices and refuses to bargain in good faith over staffing and workload standards. They are seeking a 25% wage increase over four years, citing that current pay lags behind peer institutions by at least 7%.
Kaiser Permanente’s Response
Kaiser Permanente has proposed a 21.5% wage increase over four years and asserts that its employees already earn 16% more than peers. The company plans to keep facilities open during the strike, shifting some in-person appointments to virtual care and rescheduling certain procedures.
Background
This strike follows a previous five-day walkout in October 2025, which ended with resumed negotiations that collapsed in December. The union accuses Kaiser of withdrawing from national bargaining discussions.
Impact on San Diego County
In San Diego County, picketing is occurring at the following Kaiser Permanente locations:
- San Marcos Medical Center, 360 Rush Drive, San Marcos
- San Diego Medical Center, 9455 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego
- Zion Medical Center, 4647 Zion Ave., San Diego
Kaiser Permanente has stated that hospitals and medical offices will remain open during the strike, with some appointments shifted to virtual care and certain procedures rescheduled.
Looking Ahead
The strike is ongoing, and both parties continue to negotiate. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the duration of the strike and its impact on health care services in San Diego County.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the reason for the Kaiser Permanente workers’ strike in San Diego County?
The strike is due to demands for better wages and improved staffing levels. The union is seeking a 25% wage increase over four years, citing that current pay lags behind peer institutions by at least 7%.
How many workers are participating in the strike?
Approximately 31,000 registered nurses and other frontline health care professionals are participating in the strike.
What is Kaiser Permanente’s response to the strike?
Kaiser Permanente has proposed a 21.5% wage increase over four years and plans to keep facilities open during the strike, shifting some in-person appointments to virtual care and rescheduling certain procedures.
Where is the strike taking place in San Diego County?
Picketing is occurring at the following Kaiser Permanente locations:
- San Marcos Medical Center, 360 Rush Drive, San Marcos
- San Diego Medical Center, 9455 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego
- Zion Medical Center, 4647 Zion Ave., San Diego
What is the background of the current strike?
This strike follows a previous five-day walkout in October 2025, which ended with resumed negotiations that collapsed in December 2025. The union accuses Kaiser of withdrawing from national bargaining discussions.
Key Features of the Strike
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | January 26, 2026 |
| Duration | Open-ended |
| Number of Workers | Approximately 31,000 |
| Union Involved | United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) |
| Demands | 25% wage increase over four years, improved staffing levels |
| Kaiser Permanente’s Response | Proposed 21.5% wage increase over four years, plans to keep facilities open during the strike |
| Strike Locations in San Diego County | San Marcos Medical Center, San Diego Medical Center, Zion Medical Center |
| Background | Follows a previous five-day walkout in October 2025; negotiations collapsed in December 2025 |
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