Kaiser Permanente has described the ongoing strike by health care workers in California, Oregon, and Washington as “unnecessary and disruptive.” According to a statement released Wednesday, the organization said negotiations with the United Nurses Association of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) have continued for more than four months. The union represents about 2,800 workers, including nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives, acupuncturists, therapists, physician assistants, and other skilled roles.
A Kaiser representative confirmed that there is currently no strike activity in Fresno.
Kaiser emphasized that its compensation proposal acknowledges employees’ contributions. The company called its package a “strong, comprehensive offer,” noting that Alliance-represented employees already earn an average of 16% more than peers at similar organizations.
The proposal from Kaiser includes a 21.5% wage increase over four years. There are also additional local bargaining increases of 0.5%, annual salary-step raises, and market wage adjustments that could add up to 3% to base salaries in certain regions.
“The seemingly small percentage difference between the two proposals actually means significantly more because it is multiplied across 60,000 employees and causes related benefit increases over four years,” Kaiser stated. “The difference between a 21.5% and a 25% increase is about $300 million a year in salary alone by the end of the contract.”
Kaiser reported that UNAC/UHCP is seeking a 25% pay raise over four years. Currently, payroll for these employees totals $6.3 billion annually; Kaiser’s offer would boost this figure by $1.9 billion by the contract’s final year while the union’s proposal would increase it by $2.2 billion.
According to Kaiser, larger wage hikes could result in higher costs for members.
“At a time when the cost of health care continues to go up steeply, and millions of Americans are having to make the difficult choice to go without coverage, it’s critical that we keep quality, accessible health care coverage affordable – while attracting and retaining top talent and keeping Kaiser Permanente a great place to work and receive care,” Kaiser added. “Our offer does all this.”
Kaiser said it has held over 900 local bargaining sessions so far and reached tentative agreements at 52 tables—completing comprehensive deals at 17 out of 54 locations. The company noted that it has improved proposals, started mediation efforts, and extended bargaining even after receiving notice of strike action on October 3.
During the strike period, Kaiser assured patients that hospitals and clinics will stay open with access to same-day care through its Get Care Now feature on its mobile app.
