San Diego, California – Kaiser Permanente nurses and health care professionals across the San Diego region have launched an open-ended strike, joining colleagues across California and Hawaii in protest over what union leaders describe as unfair labor practices and stalled contract negotiations.
The strike began at 7 a.m. Monday and involves nearly 31,000 members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP). Union representatives say the action will continue until Kaiser Permanente agrees to a fair contract that addresses staffing levels, workload standards, and caregiver compensation.
Who Is Participating in the Strike?
UNAC/UHCP represents a wide range of frontline medical professionals, including:
- Registered nurses
- Pharmacists
- Nurse anesthetists
- Nurse practitioners and midwives
- Physician assistants
- Rehabilitation therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Dietitians and other specialty health care workers
Union leaders emphasize that these roles are critical to patient safety and day-to-day hospital operations.
Union: Strike Is About Patient Safety and Fair Treatment
Charmaine S. Morales, a registered nurse and president of UNAC/UHCP, said the strike is not symbolic but a necessary step after months of unsuccessful negotiations.
“We’re not going on strike to make noise,” Morales said. “We’re striking because Kaiser has committed serious unfair labor practices and because Kaiser refuses to bargain in good faith over staffing that protects patients, workload standards that stop moral injury, and the respect and dignity that Kaiser caregivers have been denied for far too long.”
Morales added that the union is prepared for a prolonged strike, calling it a lawful and essential tool for workers advocating for both their profession and patient care standards.
Allegations of Unfair Labor Practices
According to the union, contract negotiations with Kaiser Permanente began in May of last year. However, UNAC/UHCP has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging that Kaiser walked away from the bargaining table in December and attempted to bypass the agreed-upon national bargaining process.
Union officials argue that these actions undermined meaningful negotiations and left workers with no choice but to strike.
Picketing Locations in San Diego County
Picket lines were established Monday at multiple Kaiser Permanente facilities, including:
- 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
Union members say the demonstrations are meant to draw attention to what they describe as a growing crisis in health care delivery caused by chronic understaffing and rising workloads.
Kaiser Permanente Responds
Kaiser Permanente released a statement saying it has contingency plans in place to ensure patient safety and continuity of care during the strike.
“Our focus remains on reaching agreements that recognize the vital contributions of our employees while ensuring excellent, affordable care,” the statement read. “We have proposed 21.5% wage increases — our strongest national bargaining offer ever — and we are prepared to close agreements at local tables now.”
Kaiser also reassured patients that hospitals and medical offices will remain open, although some pharmacies may temporarily close.
Impact on Patients and Appointments
According to Kaiser Permanente, some nonurgent appointments and elective surgeries may be rescheduled during the strike. Patients are advised not to cancel appointments themselves.
“If you have an appointment scheduled on a possible strike date, please don’t cancel or reschedule,” Kaiser said. “We’ll contact you if we have to reschedule your appointment.”
The health system has posted strike-related guidance on its websites to help members stay informed.
Kaiser: Dispute Is Primarily About Wages
Camille Applin-Jones, senior vice president at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, described the latest offer as one of the strongest nursing contracts proposed in California this year when step increases and local adjustments are included.
“Despite the union’s claims, this strike is about wages,” Applin-Jones said. “This open-ended strike by UNAC/UHCP is unnecessary when such a generous offer is on the table. The strike is designed to disrupt the lives of our patients — the very people we are all here to serve.”
What Happens Next?
With no immediate agreement in sight, the strike is expected to continue while negotiations remain at a standstill. Union leaders say they are ready to return to the bargaining table if Kaiser commits to good-faith negotiations, while Kaiser maintains that its current proposal is both competitive and fair.
As the situation develops, patients across San Diego County and beyond are watching closely, hoping for a swift resolution that prioritizes both caregiver well-being and uninterrupted access to quality health care.
