Kaiser Nurses Protest for Staffing Safety Amidst Ongoing Negotiations

By Yuvika Salman Reporter and photographer on October 17, 2025

Kaiser Permanente nurses and healthcare professionals braved the rain on October 14 to demand safe staffing levels and fair contract negotiations. The protest, organized by members of the United Nurses Associations of California (UNAC), came two weeks after their contract expired on September 30.

Alexis, a surgery nurse, stated “We want safe staffing. We’ve been burned out for a long time, especially since COVID. It’s really a safety issue, for us and for our patients.”

Her colleague Stacey, who works in urgent care, said chronic understaffing has become unsustainable. “They’re running short; there’s no proper ratio. When you’re understaffed, most definitely you’re being overworked.”

The nurses criticized Kaiser for being slow to engage in negotiations. “We had a meeting set up and they were a no-show,” Alexis said. “That’s not professional and it’s disrespectful.”

Some also expressed concern about the hospital’s use of temporary, out-of-state “strike nurses.” “They don’t know our units,” Stacey explained. “Even pulling out medications requires fingerprint access and training. When I started here, I had weeks of orientation. These nurses are bypassing that. That’s not safe.”

Another nurse said the union had tried to compromise before Kaiser left the bargaining table. “Kaiser made a lackluster proposal. We countered and came down from our offer, but they left the negotiating table,” the nurse said.

While staffing ratios and burnout are central issues, protesters emphasized that patient care remains their top priority. “Strike nurses don’t understand the systems as well as we do,” one nurse said. “We worry that the care patients receive won’t be the same.”

A clinical health educator, representing UNAC’s professional chapter, said morale and retention are also at risk. “Kaiser is making billions in profits but not showing appreciation to employees,” she said. “That affects morale and staffing, which ultimately impacts patients.”

Protesters began gathering at 7 am, taking shifts throughout the day. Despite the rain, passing cars honked in support as nurses held signs reading “Safe Staffing Saves Lives” and “Patients Over Profits.”

“I’m not getting paid for this,” Alexis said, “but it’s worth it. We just want Kaiser to come back to the table and negotiate with us to do what’s right for patients and for staff.”