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Kaiser workers to end strike
After striking for four-weeks, Kaiser nurses will return to work Tuesday.
LOS ANGELES - Thousands of unionized health care professionals will return to work Tuesday morning, ending a historic four-week strike against Kaiser Permanente following "significant movement" in contract negotiations.
What we know:
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) announced Monday that picketing has ceased effective immediately.
The strike, which involved registered nurses, pharmacists, midwives, and physical therapists, focused on allegations of unfair labor practices and disputes over staffing levels.
Kaiser Permanente previously noted it had offered a 21.5% wage increase, which they characterized as their strongest national offer to date.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Kaiser pharmacy, lab workers end three-day strike as 31,000 nurses remain on picket lines
- Kaiser strike grows as additional workers walk out Monday
- Kaiser Permanente workers across California, Hawaii go on strike
What they're saying:
Charmaine Morales, RN and president of UNAC/UHCP, previously stated the strike was necessary 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."
"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," she said.
The other side:
Kaiser released a statement saying, "The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) has been on strike for four weeks. This strike was entirely unnecessary. This and the other strikes since October have combined to cost more than $1 billion.
The union was demanding wage increases of up to 63% over four years, at a time when health care costs are rising, and millions of Americans are at risk of losing access to health coverage. We have remained committed to reaching agreements that recognize the vital contributions of our employees while ensuring excellent, affordable care for our members.
Our offer of 21.5% across-the-board wage increases accomplishes that balance. We made it clear when we presented this offer on Oct. 2, 2025 that this was the maximum we could offer and keep care affordable for our members and patients. Importantly, the increase is higher than any other health care provider in the country and keeps our employees at above market pay and among the best paid caregivers in the country.
We have been informed by UNAC/UHCP leadership that they have accepted our offer of across-the-board wage increases of 21.5%. This is good progress and moves us closer to a contract agreement.
The union has called off its strike as of Tuesday, February 24.
We are working with our teams to schedule returning employees over the coming days, in an orderly way that protects patient safety and minimizes any disruption. We will be providing employees guidance on how and when they can return to their normal schedule.
Our bargaining with UNAC/UHCP and each of the Alliance of Health Care Unions continues at local tables. We are continuing to make progress and remain optimistic about reaching contract agreements soon."
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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kaiser Permanente strike growing in numbers
More Kaiser Permanente workers joined the picket lines as they extended the strike to Week 3.
What we don't know:
While the union pointed to "significant movement" at the table, there are no immediate details available regarding how close the two sides are to a formal contract ratification.
It is also unclear which specific issues—such as staffing ratios or the alleged unfair labor practices—were resolved to trigger the return to work.
What's next:
Health care professionals are scheduled to resume their shifts at 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Both parties are currently working to "finalize return-to-work agreements" to ensure a smooth transition for staff and patients.
Observers are waiting for a formal announcement regarding a tentative agreement that would then be put to a union membership vote.
The Source: This report is based on official statements released by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) and from Kaiser Permanente leadership.