The open-ended strike underway by UNAC/UHCP is unnecessary, disruptive to our members and patients, and counterproductive to reaching contract agreements.
Fortunately, the number of employees choosing to return to work continues to grow—with more than 40% of our nurses and pharmacists back to work across striking locations and up to 58% in some areas. These returning employees are joining physicians, nurses, staff, managers and contingency personnel to ensure continued care for our patients and members. We are actively rescheduling nonurgent procedures postponed over the past week.
We are also hearing from employees who are afraid to return because their union is threatening them with fines. No employee should face intimidation for choosing to care for patients. We remain committed to protecting our employees from harassment and retaliation.
What’s at Stake
It’s important to remember why we’re here: For more than eight months, Kaiser Permanente has worked to reach national and local agreements that support our employees, our partnership and care affordability. Yet the Alliance’s and UNAC/UHCP’s actions have stalled progress and undermined the national bargaining process, disrupting constructive engagement and our shared commitment to serving patients and members.
We are disappointed that these unions chose to strike despite the impact on patient access and experience. Our commitment remains unwavering, and we will continue taking the steps needed to support our members, keep them informed and ensure they receive the high-quality, compassionate care they expect from Kaiser Permanente.
Bargaining Update
With national negotiations at a standstill, we have shifted unresolved issues to the local bargaining tables.
We provided comprehensive contract proposals to all 53 local tables and have requested bargaining dates to move the process forward. We have secured sessions with several UNAC/UHCP units, including the UNAC/UHCP RN table — the largest Southern California unit — and continue working to schedule the remaining tables. Our comprehensive proposals cover all remaining national issues and incorporate all tentative agreements reached at the national and local levels. We have now resolved all local issues at 31 tables. Once we reach an agreement at each of these respective local tables on the open issues from the national table, we will be ready to close each agreement and get the contracts signed.
We respect our nurses and employees and appreciate all they do to care for our members and patients. They deserve a fair contract that reflects their value. Kaiser Permanente nurses are among the best paid caregivers in the country, and in every market, we offer pay and benefits that meet or exceed those of other health care organizations. Employees represented by UNAC/UHCP and the Alliance of Health Care Unions already earn, on average, about 16% more than similar roles at other organizations—and up to 25% more in some markets.
Our proposal is the strongest compensation package in Kaiser Permanente’s national bargaining history and keeps employees among the best paid caregivers in the country. Total pay increases we’re offering, including step increases, amount to roughly 30% over the contract term, not including proposed benefits enhancements.
Patient Care Remains the Priority
Kaiser Permanente remains committed to our nurses, employees and patients — and focused on reaching a fair agreement that reflects employees’ value while protecting access to affordable, high-quality care.
For more than three weeks, our physicians, nurses, staff, leaders and contingency personnel have expertly and safely cared for patients and members.
Our hospitals, emergency departments and all medical offices remain open, although some pharmacies are closed or have modified hours. Members continue to have 24/7 access to same-day care through Get Care Now on kp.org and the KP app. Some appointments have temporarily shifted to virtual care, and we are actively rescheduling non-urgent procedures postponed over the past few weeks. We recognize that some members have experienced delays and long wait times. We apologize for this disruption and we appreciate their patience.
Employees across the organization are stepping in, and many from other markets have volunteered to support Southern California operations. We have expanded contracted services, strengthened staffing support, and increased communication with affected members. We are also partnering with community providers to help minimize impacts. Leadership teams are monitoring operations around the clock to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care.
Members should visit kp.org for the latest pharmacy and facility information.
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Categories: Health, Local Business, Local News
















As a Kaiser patient I am very disappointed in this anti-union message from Kaiser management which makes me start thinking of going elsewhere for care. Please listen to the workers and do the right thing by them.