Thousands of Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers across Northern California are on strike after contract negotiations reached a stalemate.
Per the Press Democrat, the walkout, which began at 7 a.m., involves roughly 2,800 employees—including physician assistants, therapists, and midwives. While the union claims Kaiser is prioritizing profits over safe staffing and fair pay, Kaiser officials call the strike ‘unnecessary,’ citing a contract offer that includes a 30% total average wage increase.
Despite the picket lines, Kaiser says all hospitals, emergency rooms, and pharmacies remain open. Most appointments are expected to proceed as scheduled, and the provider says they will contact patients directly if any procedures need to be rescheduled.