Los Angeles, CA, January 17, 2026
In a significant labor action, the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) has announced an open-ended strike involving 31,000 health care workers at Kaiser Permanente, set to begin on January 26, 2026. This move affects over 20 hospitals and 200 clinics across California and Hawaii, emphasizing demands for improved working conditions, safe staffing levels, and fair wages. As negotiations have stalled, the strike underscores the critical issues facing healthcare professionals and patients alike, prompting discussions on patient care standards during this period.
Los Angeles, CA – 31,000 Health Care Workers Announce Open-Ended Strike at Kaiser Permanente
Los Angeles, CA – In a significant move, the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) has declared a notice of strike, set to commence on January 26, 2026. This open-ended strike will see the active participation of 31,000 health care professionals, including registered nurses and other critical roles, across more than two dozen hospitals and clinics in California and Hawaii.
This impending strike highlights the critical nature of labor negotiations in the healthcare industry, particularly as they pertain to the quality and availability of care. The determination of the union’s members demonstrates a collective effort to secure better working conditions that, in turn, potentially benefit patient services. Recognizing that a strong healthcare workforce is vital for communities, it is essential for both unions and management to foster an environment conducive to negotiations and resolution.
Key Details
- Strike Date: January 26, 2026
- Duration: Open-ended
- Locations Affected: Over 20 hospitals and 200 clinics in California and Hawaii
- Union Members: 31,000 frontline registered nurses, pharmacists, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, midwives, physician assistants, rehab therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and other specialty health care professionals
Background of the Strike
The strike announcement comes on the heels of the expiration of the union’s contract on September 30, 2025. While negotiations for a new agreement commenced in May 2025, they have yet to yield a satisfactory result. The union has laid out a list of demands that focuses on safe staffing levels, timely access to quality care, fair wages, and respect at the bargaining table. This situation underscores the need for cooperative dialogue and the importance of having safe and navigable pathways for negotiation in the healthcare sector.
Impact on Health Care Services
In anticipation of the strike, Kaiser Permanente has indicated that it is implementing comprehensive plans to manage patient care access during the strike period. Additionally, the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) will closely monitor these contingency plans to ensure patient safety and care standards are upheld. Such proactive measures can help mitigate the potential disruptions stemming from work stoppages and ensure that health care services continue to meet community needs.
Historical Context of Union Actions
Earlier in October 2025, UNAC/UHCP members participated in a five-day strike across more than 500 Kaiser facilities, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding patient care and staffing levels. Previous labor actions often serve as a catalyst for change in the negotiating landscape, providing insights into the persistent challenges that health care professionals face. This history of labor actions accentuates the need for a sustainable path forward in ensuring both workers and patients are regarded equitably.
Union’s Position and Future Steps
The union’s stance emphasizes that the strike is not merely a matter of wages but is fundamentally about safeguarding patient care and ensuring that frontline workers receive the necessary support and recognition. With the strike set to begin on January 26, 2026, both parties are encouraged to engage in renewed negotiations aimed at achieving a mutually agreeable solution. Such dialogues can pave the way for enhanced workplace conditions, ultimately benefiting health care delivery systems.
Conclusion
As Los Angeles braces for this large-scale strike, the implications for both health care workers and patients are considerable. The challenges faced during this negotiation period highlight the importance of a balanced approach that ensures necessary protections for health care professionals while maintaining access to high-quality care for the community. It is vital for stakeholders to remain engaged in this process, promoting a healthier Los Angeles County economy through collaborative efforts and respect for the essential roles played by these dedicated professionals.
FAQ
What is the reason for the upcoming strike by UNAC/UHCP members at Kaiser Permanente?
The strike, starting on January 26, 2026, focuses on securing new agreements after the expiration of the previous contract, with a particular emphasis on safe staffing, timely patient care, fair wages, and mutual respect during negotiations.
How many health care professionals are involved in the strike?
31,000 registered nurses and health professionals are expected to participate in the strike.
Which locations will be affected by the strike?
The strike will impact over 20 hospitals and 200 clinics located in California and Hawaii.
What are the main demands of the union?
The union is advocating for safe staffing levels, timely access to quality care, fair wages, and respect at the bargaining table.
How is Kaiser Permanente preparing for the strike?
Kaiser Permanente has announced comprehensive plans intended to maintain patient access to care during the strike, which are being monitored by the California Department of Managed Health Care.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Strike Date | January 26, 2026 |
| Duration | Open-ended |
| Locations Affected | Over 20 hospitals and 200 clinics in California and Hawaii |
| Union Members | 31,000 registered nurses, pharmacists, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, midwives, physician assistants, rehab therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and other specialty health care professionals |
| Union’s Demands | Safe staffing levels, timely access to quality care, fair wages, and respect at the bargaining table |
| Kaiser Permanente’s Response | Comprehensive plans to ensure patient access to care during the strike, monitored by the California Department of Managed Health Care |
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