Thousands of Kaiser Permanente employees across California walked off the job this week, raising concerns about staffing, pay, and patient access for Mid Valley residents who rely on the health system for care. The strike includes workers at Kaiser facilities serving nearby communities and reflects a broader labor dispute affecting hospitals statewide.
The walkout involves roughly 31,000 members of the United Nurses Associations of California and the Union of Health Care Professionals, known collectively as UNAC/UHCP. Participants include registered nurses, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other licensed clinicians. Picketing has taken place at several Kaiser locations in the San Fernando Valley, which serve patients from El Monte, Baldwin Park, and surrounding areas.
Kaiser Permanente said its hospitals remain open and that contingency staffing plans are in place to maintain essential services. The company acknowledged that some non-urgent appointments, elective procedures, and pharmacy services may be delayed during the work stoppage. Emergency care is expected to remain available.
Union Demands And Kaiser Response
Union leaders say negotiations have stalled after months of bargaining over what they describe as fundamental workplace and patient care issues. UNAC/UHCP has called for stronger staffing enforcement when units fall short, wage increases tied to the region’s rising cost of living, and a greater role for frontline clinicians in operational decisions.
Kaiser disputes the union’s characterization of talks. In a written statement, the company said it has offered wage increases totaling about 21.5 percent over the life of the proposed contract. Kaiser also maintains that its employees earn more, on average, than comparable health care workers at many other systems.
“Our focus remains on reaching agreements that recognize the vital contributions of our employees while supporting high-quality, affordable care,” the company said, adding that it remains prepared to reach local agreements.
Staffing Ratios And Ongoing Concerns
California is the only state with legally mandated nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, enforced by the California Department of Public Health. Kaiser facilities are required to meet these minimum standards, and the company says it complies with state law.
Union representatives argue that minimum ratios alone do not guarantee safe or sustainable working conditions. They say high patient acuity and shortages in support staff often increase workloads, even when numerical ratios are met. Kaiser counters that staffing decisions must balance patient needs, regulatory requirements, and financial constraints.
What The Strike Means Locally
For Mid Valley residents, the Kaiser workers strike may translate into longer waits for routine appointments, temporary pharmacy disruptions, or rescheduled procedures. Kaiser advises patients to attend urgent appointments as scheduled unless contacted directly.
The union has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging Kaiser improperly halted negotiations. Kaiser denies the claim.
As talks continue, the dispute highlights broader pressures on California’s health care system, including workforce shortages and rising costs. For now, patients are encouraged to monitor updates from Kaiser Permanente and check official information at https://about.kaiserpermanente.org.
