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2mo ago

UFCW Pharmacy and Lab Workers Return to Work as 31,000 Kaiser Nurses' Strike Continues

National negotiations are stalled over wage increases and enforceable staffing standards.

San Diego, CA – January 26: Kaiser Permanente nurses and healthcare workers picket at the Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center as part of an unfair labor practices strike on January 26, 2026 in San Diego, CA. Around 31,000 employees went on strike at facilities in California and Hawaii. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
More than 3,000 workers with the UFCW union locals join the 31,000 registered nurses and health workers striking against Kaiser Permanente in Downey on Monday, February 9, 2026. The union said that workers plan to return to work on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
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Overview

  • More than 3,000 UFCW-represented pharmacy assistants, technicians, and clinical lab scientists ended a three-day strike and returned to work Thursday across Southern California.
  • About 31,000 UNAC/UHCP nurses and clinicians remain on an open-ended strike that began Jan. 26 in California and Hawaii.
  • Kaiser says hospitals and medical offices remain open, though some pharmacies and labs previously closed or reduced hours and service delays may persist.
  • There are no new national bargaining dates scheduled as unions press for roughly $3 billion in wage and staffing investments and about a 25% raise over four years.
  • Kaiser rejects the unions’ characterizations and points to pay offers it says total roughly 21.5% to about 30% over four years, while UFCW leaders say they stand ready to escalate if talks do not progress.