URGENT UPDATE: Kaiser Permanente is preparing for a significant labor strike as 2,800 nurses and health workers across Northern California plan to walk off the job starting Tuesday, October 10, 2025, at 7 a.m.. This strike, involving medical professionals at facilities in Oakland and Santa Clara, is set to last until 7 p.m. on Sunday, unless an agreement is reached in ongoing negotiations.
The strike comes as Kaiser faces pressure from health workers demanding higher pay and better staffing conditions. Up to 46,000 workers across California, Oregon, and Hawaii could join the strike, according to the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals.
Patients should prepare for disruptions. Although Kaiser advises not to cancel appointments, many elective surgeries may be rescheduled. The health provider plans to hire 7,600 traveling strike nurses and temporary staff to mitigate the impact on patient care.
Kaiser has reported a net income of $3.3 billion for the second quarter of 2025, an increase from $2 billion in the same period last year. However, union representatives argue that the proposed pay increase of 21.5% over four years falls short of the necessary adjustments, given the post-pandemic inflation that has significantly raised living costs for workers.
The labor union claims that Kaiser’s prior offer of a 38% pay increase was rejected, leading to this escalation in labor actions. Russell Miller, a spokesperson for the union, criticized Kaiser’s communication, saying they are attempting to downplay the necessity of the strike while failing to meet the essential needs of frontline healthcare workers.
Both sides have been in negotiations for months, with talks breaking down on October 10. The urgency of this strike is compounded by a recent, separate one-day strike involving 600 Northern California midwives and nurse anesthetists, highlighting the ongoing labor challenges within the healthcare system.
As the strike approaches, it’s crucial for patients and the community to remain informed about potential impacts on healthcare services. Kaiser has expressed its commitment to continue negotiations in good faith in hopes of reaching a resolution before the strike begins.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing situation unfolds. The implications of this strike could significantly affect healthcare access in the Bay Area and beyond, making it essential for all stakeholders to monitor the news closely.
