Kaiser Permanente releases statement on healthcare workers strike

(FOX40.COM) — Kaiser Permanente officials have released a statement regarding the healthcare workers’ strike taking place on Monday.

The one-day strike, called by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, includes 1,300 out of 90,000 health care professionals across more than 20 Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Northern California, the company said.

UNAC/UHCP said its aim is to gain better care for patients,

along with “dignity and respect for the care they provide,” as part of their first union contract for Kaiser midwives and nurse anesthetists.

Meanwhile, Kaiser said negotiations with the Alliance of Health Care Unions, which includes talks with UNAC/UHCP, have been underway since May.

“We are fully committed to continuing our efforts in the bargaining process to reach a new labor agreement. It is disappointing that leadership of a partner union would ask our dedicated and committed employees to walk away from the patients who need them, and disrupt needed health care for our members, while we are actively working to settle a contract,” a Kaiser official said. “We’re confident that we’ll address key issues and reach an agreement that supports the needs of our employees and affordability for our members, and reinforces Kaiser Permanente as a best place to work and receive care.”

Officials with Kaiser stated that they take disruptions to patient care seriously and will keep their medical offices open. However, it is possible that appointments and surgeries may need to be rescheduled.

Officials went on to state that Kaiser Permanente staffing levels meet and exceed state standards.

“In 2024, we added more than 6,332 people to our workforce — including 4,695 in care delivery and 1,684 in Alliance-represented roles,” a Kaiser official said. “We are proud that about 92% of our employees in Alliance-represented roles choose to stay with Kaiser Permanente, significantly higher than the national health care average.”

The strikes are taking place until 7 p.m. on Monday at the Kaiser Permanente on 1660 Eureka Road in Roseville and 3600/3701 Broadway in Oakland.

Kaiser said those on strike will be returning to work on Tuesday at 7 a.m.