Kaiser Permanente Labor Disputes: Nurses End Strike as Mental Health Professionals Authorize Action
As members of one union conclude a month-long strike at Kaiser Permanente facilities in California and Hawaii, another union has voted to authorize a strike by mental health professionals in the Bay Area, Central Valley and Sacramento, continuing a period of labor unrest within the health system.
Nurses Strike Concludes
On February 24, 2026, members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) ended an open-ended walkout that began on January 26, 2026. The strike involved approximately 31,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals across more than two dozen Kaiser Permanente hospitals and numerous clinics in California and Hawaii. The union’s return to work is scheduled for 7 a.m. Pacific time and 7 a.m. Hawaii-Aleutian time. Kaiser Permanente stated that UNAC/UHCP leadership accepted its offer of 21.5% in across-the-board wage increases. Kaiser Permanente is working to schedule returning employees while prioritizing patient safety and minimizing disruption.
Previous Pharmacy and Lab Worker Strike
A separate but coordinated three-day strike involving over 3,000 pharmacy and lab workers represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers concluded on February 12, 2026, at Kaiser Permanente facilities in Southern California and Kern County.
Mental Health Professionals Authorize Strike
Approximately 2,400 Kaiser mental health professionals – including therapists, social workers, and psychologists serving patients in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Sacramento – have authorized a one-day unfair labor practice strike. The authorization, voted on by members of the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW), saw 92% backing the action. The vote followed an unfair labor practice charge alleging that Kaiser Permanente unilaterally changed its mental health triage system. NUHW has not yet set a strike date but is considering a strike in March.
Ongoing Bargaining
Kaiser Permanente has stated that bargaining with UNAC/UHCP and other unions within the Alliance of Health Care Unions continues at local levels, and the organization remains optimistic about reaching contract agreements.
Finding Care During Labor Actions
Individuals seeking care can locate doctors and locations through Kaiser Permanente’s online directory or by calling Member Services. For those needing care outside of Kaiser Permanente facilities, information is available at kp.org/travel. Kaiser Permanente reminds individuals facing a medical or mental health emergency to call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.