Thousands of Kaiser Permanente workers, who are represented by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, have gone on strike in Northern California for a third time in nearly as many months. The striking workers, including nurse anesthetists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physical therapists, walked off the job at 7am Monday, with no end to the work stoppage in sight.
The labor unions claim that the strike will continue indefinitely until they reach an agreement on their demands for increased pay and staffing. Kaiser Permanente management, however, says that the union's proposals would make healthcare coverage even less affordable and claims that the company can afford to boost wages.
The striking workers argue that Kaiser Permanente can afford to increase wages, citing the company's $2.6 billion in net income in the third quarter of 2025. They point out that Kaiser holds more than $67 billion in reserves, which could be used to fund higher salaries.
The strike is expected to disrupt hospital operations, with patients being notified that "nearly all" hospitals and medical offices will remain open during the stoppage. However, the striking workers say that patient care will inevitably be affected by the strike.
One of the striking workers, Daniel Bell, a certified nurse anesthetist at the Vacaville Medical Center, said that the union is willing to negotiate with Kaiser Permanente management once they show a willingness to compromise. He added that if Kaiser decides to end the strike, the union will be happy to make a deal.
The striking workers have taken to the streets, holding picket lines and chanting slogans in support of their cause. The atmosphere at the Oakland Medical Center was jubilant, with over 200 workers filling the sidewalk and drivers honking their horns in solidarity.
The strikes come as Kaiser Permanente raises costs for patients and health providers across California brace for tighter margins following cuts to federal health spending. Republicans in Congress declined to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies last year, triggering higher premiums for many enrollees.
For 2026, Kaiser raised premiums by 7% for plans purchased through Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace. About a quarter of Californians who purchase health insurance through Covered California have Kaiser plans.
The striking workers say that they will not back down and are willing to continue fighting for their demands until they reach an agreement with Kaiser Permanente management.
The labor unions claim that the strike will continue indefinitely until they reach an agreement on their demands for increased pay and staffing. Kaiser Permanente management, however, says that the union's proposals would make healthcare coverage even less affordable and claims that the company can afford to boost wages.
The striking workers argue that Kaiser Permanente can afford to increase wages, citing the company's $2.6 billion in net income in the third quarter of 2025. They point out that Kaiser holds more than $67 billion in reserves, which could be used to fund higher salaries.
The strike is expected to disrupt hospital operations, with patients being notified that "nearly all" hospitals and medical offices will remain open during the stoppage. However, the striking workers say that patient care will inevitably be affected by the strike.
One of the striking workers, Daniel Bell, a certified nurse anesthetist at the Vacaville Medical Center, said that the union is willing to negotiate with Kaiser Permanente management once they show a willingness to compromise. He added that if Kaiser decides to end the strike, the union will be happy to make a deal.
The striking workers have taken to the streets, holding picket lines and chanting slogans in support of their cause. The atmosphere at the Oakland Medical Center was jubilant, with over 200 workers filling the sidewalk and drivers honking their horns in solidarity.
The strikes come as Kaiser Permanente raises costs for patients and health providers across California brace for tighter margins following cuts to federal health spending. Republicans in Congress declined to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies last year, triggering higher premiums for many enrollees.
For 2026, Kaiser raised premiums by 7% for plans purchased through Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace. About a quarter of Californians who purchase health insurance through Covered California have Kaiser plans.
The striking workers say that they will not back down and are willing to continue fighting for their demands until they reach an agreement with Kaiser Permanente management.
they're gettin' paid peanuts compared to what the company's rakin' in 
$2.6 billion in net income is a lot, and they got 67 billion in reserves 
its not about whether kaiser can afford it or not, its about people power 
gotta show up for these workers 
. I mean, $2.6 billion in net income is some serious dough, but hey, they're not asking for the moon – just a fair salary for their work. And who can blame them? I'd be willing to strike (from my couch) if someone offered me that kind of pay 
, my little brother has a medical condition and needs therapy sessions all the time! I don't wanna think that those therapists are gonna be on strike and can't help him 
. My friend's sister is actually one of the striking nurses and she says they're not trying to be unreasonable, they just want better pay and benefits so they can provide quality care for their patients 
. It's kinda hard to understand why Kaiser Permanente doesn't wanna budge tho 
...
... Like, the unions are all about gettin' that pay raise and more staff, but Kaiser's all like "nope, we can afford it". Meanwhile, they're sittin' on $67 billion in reserves, just chillin'. I don't know if the workers will actually win this one 
... I guess it's good they're gettin' some support, but you can bet Kaiser's gonna come back swingin' with more fancy numbers and whatnot 
. But if Kaiser is willing to compromise, I think we can find a middle ground here 
, might not change the world, but its a start 
I mean, how surprising is it that healthcare workers are demanding fair pay and better staffing? Like, what's the point of even having a job if you're not going to be treated like a human being? 
The $2.6 billion in net income they just posted seems like a pretty big number... wonder where most of that money actually went 
.
. It's like, can't we just figure out a way to make this work? 
And Kaiser's all like they can afford it with their $2.6 billion in net income 
. Can't we just prioritize people over profits for once? 
The latest Kaiser Permanente strike is making me nervous about the future of healthcare in Northern California! 
I'm worried that with all these hospitals and medical offices staying open, patients might get compromised care or worse. 
. It's all about making healthcare more affordable, right? 
. Let's see how this whole thing plays out! 
. I mean, come on $2.6 billion in net income? That's crazy money 
... it just doesn't sit right with me 
.
. We need to find a way to make healthcare more affordable and sustainable for everyone 
.
. I hope these nurses get what they're fighting for and don't have to go on strike again 
. It's not like the patients won't suffer, but it's also not like Kaiser should be getting away with this kind of treatment 
.
. It's like they're being held hostage by the company 
. I hope the workers get what they want ASAP before patient care suffers