SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A union representing 30,000 registered nurses, pharmacists, therapists and other health workers is set to strike against Kaiser Permanente over wage and staffing issues.
Representing California- and Hawaii-based staff, the United Nurses Association of California/Union Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) voted to authorize the strike on Friday. The vote comes after six months of negotiations between Kaiser and the union. Represented workers are demanding safe staffing, fair pay and respect at the negotiating table.
“Kaiser is betting we won’t unite and push for the change that patients need,” UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine S. Morales said. “This overwhelming vote proves them wrong. When we stand together, Kaiser will have no choice but to recognize the need to value our labor and ensure safe staffing and care.”
Organizers state that Kaiser is the fourth-largest non-profit in the world and the largest healthcare system in the United States.
Kaiser Permanente’s income in the second quarter of 2025 has increased since its second quarter of 2024. The second quarter of 2025 led to a nonoperating income of $2.2 billion compared to last year’s $1.2 billion, and a net income of $3.3 billion as opposed to $2.1 billion in the second quarter of 2024.
“Kaiser calls itself a nonprofit, but it’s acting like a corporation hoarding billions while refusing to respect the very workers who bring them patients, members, and accolades,” UNAC/UHCP Executive Treasurer Moises Alarcon said.
In response to the strike authorization, Kaiser Permanente said they are proud that they employ the “largest number of union-represented health care workers in the country.” They maintain that they negotiated in good faith and deny claims about staffing issues.
“Allegations about staffing and care quality do not reflect the facts,” Kaiser Permanente’s media relations said in a statement. “Kaiser Permanente meets — and often exceeds — California’s mandated nurse-to-patient ratios and staffing standards.”
Union organizers believe that Kaiser leadership is focusing more on expansion into other states rather than supporting patients and staff. The union’s Chief Negotiator Joe Guzynski said Kaiser has failed to agree to a fair contract.
“Kaiser Permanente has had every opportunity to do the right thing,” Guzynski said. “Instead, they’ve stonewalled, disrespected caregivers, and hidden behind management rights.”
By voting to authorize the strike, union members have given the bargaining the ability to call for a strike or walkout pending negotiations with Kaiser.
“Tens of thousands of health care workers gave their bargaining team the authority to hold Kaiser accountable,” the union stated.
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