Kaiser strike hits fourth week as 31,000 workers demand higher pay and better staffing

"More than 31,000 Kaiser Permanente health care workers remained on strike Monday as the open-ended walkout entered its fourth week, disrupting patient appointments, surgeries and treatments across California and Hawaii. Bargaining teams for Kaiser and workers resumed negotiations after weeks of stalemate, but no agreement appears imminent. This is the latest of a number of major strikes to have roiled Kaiser in recent years, including a 10-week strike by mental health workers in 2022 and a 2023 dispute mediated by the then-U.S. Secretary of Labor."

"They are demanding a 25% raise over four years, arguing the wage increase is needed to retain and recruit employees and account for the steep inflationary pressures of the past few years. Kaiser contends its employees are on average the highest paid among other health care organizations. It has proposed a 21.5% increase over four years. In a statement, a Kaiser spokesperson said negotiations are happening while health care costs rise and millions of Americans are at risk of losing insurance."

More than 31,000 Kaiser Permanente health care workers remained on strike into a fourth week, disrupting patient appointments, surgeries and treatments across California and Hawaii. Bargaining teams resumed negotiations after weeks of stalemate, but no agreement appeared imminent. The strike began Jan. 26 and involved one of the organization's largest unions seeking better wages and staffing. The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals represents nurses, physical therapists, midwives and other professionals and had not previously walked off the job. Workers allege Kaiser violated staffing agreements and worsened patient care. The union demands a 25% raise over four years; Kaiser proposed 21.5% and said it believes it can afford that without raising member premiums.

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