Kaiser Strike: Our Statement on the Alliance of Health Care Unions Strike

"Tens of thousands of healthcare workers, including nurses and physicians assistants, went on strike across Kaiser Permanente locations in California, Oregon, Hawaii, and Washington on Tuesday morning, citing concerns over wages, staffing, and safety. The five-day strike, which began at 7 a.m., affects over 45,000 employees, including those in critical care positions, and is expected to continue through Sunday morning.
According to Kaiser Permanente, the strike is about wages, but union representatives argue it's about respect, safety, and the future of care. ICU nurse Julie Castle from Downey, California, said, "If we're out here, there's something wrong in there." The strike involves workers from the Alliance of Health Care Unions, which represents over 61,000 Kaiser employees, and comes after months of negotiations.
Kaiser Permanente has offered a 21.5% wage increase over four years, but the union demands 25%, citing rising health care costs and the need for competitive wages. The strike has caused disruptions, with some appointments and surgeries being rescheduled. Kaiser Permanente spokesperson Debbie Karman said, "Our hospitals, medical and dental offices, and pharmacies in Oregon and Southwest Washington will remain open during the strike, with support from managers, Kaiser workers who have volunteered for temporary assignments, and about 600 contract staff."
The strike is not just about wages; it's about the future of care in the region. Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals President Sarina Roher said, "What we've asked for are real solutions to the staffing crisis, fair wages that let workers stay in our communities, and a voice in how care is delivered. Kaiser's response has been to delay and disregard." The strike's impact will be felt across the region, with patients and families affected by the disruptions. As the strike unfolds, Kaiser Permanente and the union continue to negotiate, but the outcome remains uncertain.
The strike is a symptom of a larger issue - the staffing crisis in the healthcare industry. Kaiser Permanente claims its hospitals will remain open, but the strike highlights the need for a more sustainable solution. The future of healthcare in the region hangs in the balance, and the strike is a wake-up call for Kaiser Permanente and the union to find a resolution. As the strike continues, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcome will have far-reaching consequences.
The strike is a critical moment in the ongoing labor dispute between Kaiser Permanente and the Alliance of Health Care Unions. The two parties have been negotiating since March 2025, but the strike marks a turning point in the talks. The outcome of the strike will determine the future of healthcare in the region and the relationship between Kaiser Permanente and its employees.
The strike is not just about Kaiser Permanente; it's about the future of healthcare in the region. The strike is a call to action for Kaiser Permanente to prioritize its employees and the patients they serve. As the strike unfolds, the spotlight is on Kaiser Permanente to find a solution that addresses the concerns of its employees and the needs of its patients. The strike is a wake-up call for the healthcare industry to prioritize its workforce and the care it delivers. The outcome of the strike will have far-reaching consequences, and the future of healthcare in the region hangs in the balance.
The strike is a critical moment in the ongoing labor dispute between Kaiser Permanente and the Alliance of Health Care Unions. The two parties have been negotiating since March 2025, but the strike marks a turning point in the talks. The outcome of the strike will determine the future of healthcare in the region and the relationship between Kaiser Permanente and its employees.
The strike is a symptom of a larger issue - the staffing crisis