Kaiser Bargaining Updates

19 February 2026
in: What's Happening

February 27, 2026

We’re two weeks on from our historic ULP strike, and there have been a lot of new developments with KP and at the bargaining table. To provide you with the most accurate and up to date information, we’re holding webinars on Monday, March 2nd @ 7PM and Tuesday, March 3rd @ 7AM. As things are rapidly evolving, join us on these webinars to hear about what’s happening and where we go from here.

Kaiser Meeting – Monday, March 2nd @ 7PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_95gPdv-ZT7Cr3S6n5bhLRA

Kaiser Meeting – Tuesday, March 3rd @ 7AM

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7qC6cGUARGSTsy0LPD7uYA

You will also have the opportunity to get your questions answered.

PSP Bonus Update

We’ll also be discussing the latest on the PSP payouts on our webinars. Kaiser Permanente has determined that Southern California did not meet its financial threshold for 2025 and is issuing the lowest PSP payout across KP this cycle.

We reject this assertion.

You show up for patients everyday. Through chronic understaffing, a pandemic and tough negotiations, you continue to do the work. We know you met the goals placed in front of you. We will not accept a result that shifts responsibility onto frontline caregivers while KP controls the financial gate.

The Alliance is actively challenging Kaiser’s determination. We are demanding full transparency into their data and calculations and are preparing formal disputes where warranted. We have successfully fought and won PSP disputes before, and we are prepared to do it again.

Here’s what we know:

The PSP payment date for Southern California is March 6
Under our National Agreement, even if KP claims it did not meet financial targets, Alliance members remain eligible for up to $1,000 if PSP goals are met.
The Affordability metric makes up 67% of the PSP. Southern California met a prorated affordability target under the contract which should entitle members to a higher payout than Kaiser is currently offering.

Let’s be clear, we will not rubber-stamp a payout that shortchanges Southern California members. We are fighting for an increased PSP payout, and we will use every tool in our contract to get it.

You earned this. And we will fight for what you are owed.

We’ll discuss the PSP payment, the bargaining process, and how the Alliance is fighting for what you deserve on our webinars.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Union Representative or Steward.

In solidarity,
Your UFCW Kaiser Bargaining Committee

February 20, 2026

One week after our historic ULP Strike against Kaiser Permanente, things in the Alliance are moving quickly.

Here’s what’s new:

Today, the Alliance delivered a comprehensive package proposal to Kaiser Permanente that resolves and protects our National Agreement and delivers a clear message to KP: It’s time to settle the National Agreement. Read more about the proposal here.
UFCW Local 1996 members in Georgia overwhelmingly voted today in favor of an Unfair Labor Practice strike authorization.
UNAC optometrists also approved a ULP strike authorization earlier this week.
Progress continues to be made at local bargaining tables on local issues, and all Alliance unions are united in their demand for a return to National Bargaining.

As always, don’t trust rumors or statements from managers or the company during a labor dispute. Official updates will come directly from your union. Keep wearing your UFCW 324 gear to show your solidarity. Continue to stay strong and ready for whatever comes in our fight for a fair contract.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Union Representative or Steward.

In solidarity,
Your UFCW Kaiser Bargaining Committee

February 19, 2026

National Bargaining for a National Agreement: Local Bargaining in lieu of National Bargaining Would be Disastrous

Kaiser Permanente continues to insist that moving from National Bargaining to local bargaining is faster, delivers enhanced wages and benefits, and is “the best path to deliver a comprehensive contract” for Alliance members.

KP proposes to do this by appending to the local contracts the 2021 National Agreement, economic memorandums of understanding (MOU), national tentative agreements agreed to thus far, and an additional MOU related to local agreements overriding national agreements.

Here are three ways that moving away from National Bargaining to local bargaining would be disastrous for Alliance members.

KP’s proposal would undercut wage increases for many Alliance Unions whose contracts have different expiration dates.

For months, management has talked about their proposal for 21.5% wage increases in a four-year contract. But their proposal to end National Bargaining would make that offer worse for 18 bargaining units, including OFNHP Techs and Hygienists, UFCW 770 Kern, UFCW Local 7, UFCW Local 27 and UFCW Local 400 Health Professionals, HNHP RN’s, ILWU, Teamsters, IUOE, KPNAA and many more.

At National Bargaining, KP’s proposal was 21.5% over 4 years. That means another raise to be bargained October 1, 2029, at the expiration of the National Agreement. With KP’s new proposal to pivot to local bargaining, members in 18 Alliance bargaining units would get 0% raise on October 1, 2029, and would wait much longer for the chance to bargain their next raise. That’s right, 0% in 2029 – no raise, no bargaining. Many members would have to wait until August 2030 or August 2031 for their raise. That’s KP’s proposal, also known as regressive bargaining.

On top of this, KP is saying no retroactive pay for the months Alliance members have gone without an increase since the National Agreement expired in October.

Don’t be fooled. Eliminating National Bargaining only helps Kaiser Permanente.

The Solution – National Bargaining for a National Agreement

Management’s proposal erodes your rights and protections.

Hidden inside KP’s “package proposal” is a timebomb that can destroy Alliance member rights across the board.

KP says that the local contract “supersedes” or overrides the National Agreement and any other Alliance agreements “regardless of whether such agreements contain superior terms” and regardless of “past practice.” Sounds technical and complicated, right? That’s the point – to confuse people into giving up their rights.

If the terms of the local contract supersede terms in the National Agreement or other standing agreements, what happens to EISA (Economic and Income Security Agreement) and to no cancellation? Those are national agreements too, but if the local agreement gives KP the right to lay off people or subcontract work, KP can say that the local contract prevails. Similarly, what happens to the “no subcontracting” provisions of the national agreement? The list goes on and on. If management has stronger rights in a local agreement, they will use those to take away national protections.

The Solution – National Bargaining for a National Agreement

KP’s proposal does not “honor” the National Agreement.

KP has publicly announced they want to “honor the National Agreement.” But their proposal does the opposite. It splits the National Agreement and divides bargaining units. It says the local agreement prevails over the National Agreement, no matter what. That’s not honoring the agreement! That’s gutting the National Agreement!

The solution – National Bargaining for a National Agreement

February 11, 2026

Rain or shine we showed Kaiser exactly who UFCW members are: united, determined, and unafraid to stand up.

Over the past three days, you demonstrated real strength. You stood up to unlawful bargaining delays. You stood up for each other. And you sent a clear message to Kaiser: return to National Bargaining and finish a fair agreement that protects workers and patients.

Here’s what we accomplished over these three days:

Massive participation of UFCW members across Southern California
Strong community and patient support
Statewide and national media coverage
Solidarity from unions across California and beyond
You showed Kaiser that they couldn’t survive without you.

The strike officially ends tomorrow, Thursday, February 12 at 5:00 AM. You should report to your regularly scheduled shift (including night shifts) at 5:00 AM on Thursday or after 5:00 AM if your regularly scheduled shift starts after 5:00 AM. If you are scheduled before 5:00 AM, do not report until 5:00 AM. For example, if you are scheduled from 12:00AM – 7:00AM, you would report at 5:00AM and work until 7:00AM. Resume your normal duties and continue providing the professional care your patients rely on.

Returning to work does not mean this fight is over. A ULP strike is designed to deliver fast, public pressure tied directly to Kaiser breaking the law. UFCW heard your concerns before we went out on strike and chose to do a three day ULP strike to keep our members protected from losing healthcare and more while also putting pressure on Kaiser.

And we did put pressure on Kaiser. For the first time since December, Kaiser has shown incremental movement. UFCW Local 7 reached a TA at their local table. UNAC/UHCP is making progress at their local tables. And more Alliance unions will be issuing 10-day notices within the coming days. All because of the strength you demonstrated over the last three days.

Our strength and solidarity this week proved we are prepared to escalate again if Kaiser refuses to respect workers. Kaiser is doing everything they can to break the unions and the Alliance, so remain strong to do what it takes to get the contract we deserve.

Our demands remain unchanged: Kaiser must return to the national bargaining table, end their surveillance, intimidation, and retaliation against workers, and stop blocking access to Union Representatives.

Continue supporting UNAC/UHCP on the lines. Continue talking to your co-workers and union siblings. Continue reporting ULPs.Continue holding Kaiser accountable. And if Kaiser breaks the law again, we will be back on the picket line.

Thank you for standing up for your co-workers and your patients this week.

If you have questions, this page (https://ufcw324.org/kaiser-updates-2025/) has answers. You can also reach out to your Bargaining Committee member, Steward, or Union Representative.

In solidarity,
Your UFCW Kaiser Bargaining Committee

February 10, 2026

Day two of our Unfair Labor Practice strike made one thing unmistakably clear, Kaiser workers are united, determined, and backed by the full support of our patients and our communities.

This ULP strike was designed to apply immediate, public pressure on Kaiser to end its unlawful behavior and return to bargaining in good faith. And they definitely heard us.

Having shown our strength, unity, and resolve, we will return to work on Thursday, February 12 at 5:00 AM. Tomorrow, we return to the picket line as planned to finish strong.

See the return to work letters here:

Kaiser CLS_MLT_Return to work_2-10-2026 Kaiser Pharmacy_Return to work_2-10-2026

Here’s what we accomplished together on Day 2:

Continued strong action at facilities across Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, and Kern Counties
Thousands of workers and community allies showing up in support throughout the day
Sustained local, statewide, and national media coverage
Growing engagement and reach across social media
Ongoing solidarity from union siblings across California and beyond

What’s next:

We’ll continue to push Kaiser to come back to the national table and negotiate a fair contract. And if they break the law again we will come back to the picket line.

Kaiser has the full power to prevent this from happening again. To stop disrupting the lives and the care of our patients. All they need to do is bargain in good faith.

To provide the latest updates, next steps, and answer your questions, we will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday, February 11 at 5PM. Register now at the link below.

Webinar Wednesday, February 11 at 5PM: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6Aes2GfkQ–MN8nAG4_J8g

We continue to demand that Kaiser:

Return to the national bargaining table
End surveillance, intimidation, and retaliation against workers
Stop blocking access to Union Representatives

If you have questions, this page (https://ufcw324.org/kaiser-updates-2025/) has answers. You can also reach out to your Bargaining Committee member, Steward, or Union Representative.

Together, we can win a contract that provides for the healthcare workers who keep our communities healthy and safe.

In solidarity,
Your UFCW Kaiser Bargaining Committee

February 9, 2026

Today, thousands of Kaiser workers and supporters showed up and showed out, walking off the job at Kaiser locations throughout Southern California to protest the company’s unlawful actions.

We told Kaiser loud and clear that we won’t stand for the company to refuse to bargain nationally, surveil workers, retaliate against them for union activity, and block us from talking to our Union Representatives.

Here’s what we accomplished together today:

Workers walked out at dozens of facilities in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, and Kern Counties
Thousands of workers and supporters joined the picket line
Hundreds of news stories published about the ULP strike
Tens of thousands of views on social media
Millions of our union siblings across California showed their support

What’s next:

Our ULP strike continues! Remember, we’re on strike 24/7 until you hear from the union! Do not report to work at all! Picketing is held from 7:00AM – 3:00PM each day to show Kaiser we’re standing up for our rights.

If you have questions, this page (https://ufcw324.org/kaiser-updates-2025/) has answers, and as always, if you need more info, reach out to your Bargaining Committee Member, Steward, or Union Representative.

In solidarity,

Your UFCW Kaiser Bargaining Committee

KAISER UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE STRIKE FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions we are hearing from our members about the contract and Unfair Labor Practice strikes:

What is a strike?

A strike is when members vote to withhold their labor and do not report to work. Workers instead report to a picket line. A strike is a powerful tool for members to exercise and is always our last resort. Strikes are most effective when all employees in a struck location refuse to go to work.

What is an unfair labor practice (ULP)?

A ULP is when the company interferes with or discriminates against workers for their union activities. This violates federal labor law. Examples of a ULP include not allowing you to wear buttons, filming or keeping an eye on you at union actions, asking you if you would strike, or otherwise retaliating against you for union activity.

What is an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike?

A ULP strike is when workers walk off the job and/or do not go to work per their scheduled shift to protest unfair labor practices the company has allegedly committed.

What is an economic strike?

An economic strike is a work stoppage by workers seeking economic benefits such as wages, hours, or other working conditions. An economic strike happens when the employer, employees and their union are unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement and the most recent proposal on the table is unacceptable to employees.

How is an economic strike different from an unfair labor practice strike?

Striking to protest unfair labor practices (unlike an economic strike) means that workers can not be permanently replaced. In addition, workers can return to work without a contract being approved.

Would my job be protected while on an unfair labor practice strike?

Employees who strike to protest an unfair labor practice committed by their employer are called unfair labor practice strikers. When the strike ends, unfair labor practice strikers, absent serious misconduct on their part, are entitled to have their jobs back even if employees hired to do their work have to be discharged. (source: https://www.nlrb.gov/strikes)

What has to happen for us to strike?

These steps must be taken before we can strike:

The contract must expire or otherwise not be in effect
At least two-thirds of the workers in the bargaining unit who participate in the vote must vote to authorize negotiators to call a strike
The negotiators (union leaders and workers on the bargaining committee) must decide WHEN to strike in order to make it most effective.
Your union must give a 10-day notice to Kaiser with specific information on dates/locations. So you’ll know 10 days ahead of time when and where a strike would occur.
A Union representative notifies workers it is time to walk out on the line.

AGAIN: DO NOT WALK OUT UNTIL YOUR UNION NOTIFIES YOU. If you walk out before that, you could be disciplined and/or fired by your employer.

What is the difference between a strike and a lockout?

A strike is an action initiated by the union, while a lockout is an action initiated by the employer.

When would we go on strike?

We would not automatically go on strike and TAKING A STRIKE VOTE DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE ON STRIKE. A date would be set following a vote from the membership authorizing the strike and following strike sanctions from our International Union and Labor Councils. In the period between the strike authorization vote and the strike deadline, the union would continue to attempt to bargain with Kaiser. IF YOU WALK OFF THE JOB BEFORE THE UNION DECLARES A STRIKE, YOU CAN BE DISCIPLINED AND/OR FIRED.

If we go on strike, when would we picket?

Picket Captains would set a schedule with the union representative for picket coverage during open hours to maximize our efforts to send patients elsewhere while we are on strike.

If we go on strike, how long would we be on strike?

Nobody can predict how long we will be on strike. UFCW Local 7 in Colorado was on strike for 10 days and in Oregon, the workers’ strike was only 36 hours. ULP strikes can be for a set period. If we go on strike, our union leaders and bargaining committee will determine the length that is most strategic for us to be out. Ultimately, the length of time of a potential strike depends on a number of factors, but how well patients are honoring our strike is clearly the most important.

Would I lose my benefits/insurance if we go on strike?

You qualify for insurance on a skip-month basis. If you work the qualifying hours in January, you have insurance in March. The union and the company can also bargain a strike settlement agreement that can ensure there is no gap in coverage.

* Because UFCW members fought hard and advocated for legislation in Sacramento, locked-out or striking workers now have access to Covered California if they lose their health insurance because of a labor dispute.

Will we receive pay while on strike?

The union has a strike fund that pays a benefit to striking workers. Here are the amounts the UFCW 324 Executive Board has approved:

Pharmacy Technicians, Assistants, Inventory Control Assistants, and Intern Pharmacists: $200/day up to five days a week

MLT: $250/day up to five days a week

CLS: $350/day up to five days a week

Picket Captains: Additional $50/day

What will happen to members who cross the picket line if we go on strike?

Strikes are hard on everyone, but they’re only effective when ALL the members remain united and demand Kaiser treat their employees with dignity and respect. When members cross the picket line they are letting Kaiser know the members are divided. The UFCW 324 Executive Board has the authority to determine if and what actions may be taken against scabs.

What happens if members simply stay home? (Don’t walk the picket line but don’t go to work)

Again, strikes are most effective when ALL workers remain united and show Kaiser our power. When workers don’t walk the picket line that sends a message to the company that we are not united and may result in a weaker contract. Our strength has always been in our connection to our patients, and if we’re on strike, we need to make sure those patients don’t go to facilities until we return to work. By being on the picket line, you will be able to persuade your patients not to cross the line.

Do I keep my same job classification and pay once a strike is over and I go back to work?

A ULP strike would not affect your job classification. The terms of returning to work depend on the contract negotiated.

What if I have more questions?

There are many questions members will have throughout this process. Stay in touch with your steward, bargaining team member, or union representative throughout this process. The most important factor in winning a strong contract is our power and our solidarity. Staying informed is critical to staying united.

Follow us on the UFCW 324 website (https://ufcw324.org/kaiser-updates-2025/), social media accounts, and make sure you are on our text message distribution list. If you’re not receiving text messages, please contact your union representative to ensure you’re added.

February 8, 2026

Tomorrow morning, Monday, February 9 at 7:00am, All UFCW Kaiser pharmacy and clinical lab members across Southern California and Bakersfield will begin an Unfair Labor Practice strike.

We’re at this moment because Kaiser management chose to break from the agreed upon national bargaining process, walk away from negotiations, and violate federal labor law. Our members gave Kaiser every opportunity to do the right thing and stop their unfair labor practices. Kaiser refused.

Every Alliance union has rejected Kaiser’s effort to divide us and end the national agreement. Kaiser wrote to every local union proposing local bargaining on national issues. Every Alliance union told Kaiser no and referred Kaiser back to our national bargaining committee.

Now, we move forward together.

More than 3,000 UFCW pharmacy and lab workers will be present at picket lines across the region, alongside 31,000 nurses and healthcare professionals with UNAC/UHCP who have already taken ULP strike action. This level of unity sends a clear message that frontline healthcare workers will not be sidelined or silenced.

As you prepare for tomorrow, know that you have the full support of your community, patients, and union siblings. Kaiser can break the law, but they cannot break our solidarity.

What to Know for February 9th

You will receive a notification from your union confirming the strike will begin at 7:00am. Once you receive that notification, do not go into work or continue working after 7:00am. Report to your assigned picket location instead.
Wear your work clothes
Look out for one another and follow strike guidance
Check your local union communications regularly for updates and resources
This page (https://ufcw324.org/kaiser-updates-2025/) will have the most up to date information and resources including;
- Answers to frequently asked questions
- Picket line locations
- What you need to know before you go including parking information
- And more

Tomorrow is about unity, visibility, and collective power. Kaiser needs to see our strength, the public needs to hear our message, and management needs to understand that we will not accept delays or disrespect.

You are part of something powerful. You are not alone.

January 29, 2026

Today, UFCW local unions representing Kaiser Pharmacy and CLS/MLT members across Southern California delivered a 10-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike notice to Kaiser Permanente executives! A ULP strike will begin on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 7am.

Under federal law, health care unions must provide at least 10 days’ notice before a strike to protect patient care and allow hospitals time to prepare. DO NOT WALK OFF THE JOB BEFORE 7AM ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026.

National negotiations have been stalled for over a month after Kaiser management walked away from the bargaining table. In December, UFCW and the other Alliance Unions filed Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging Kaiser unlawfully refused to bargain in an attempt to bypass the agreed-upon national bargaining process and interfere with good-faith negotiations that had been ongoing since April 2025.

Kaiser has engaged in the following Unfair Labor Practices:

Suspending national collective bargaining negotiations without cause.
Denying access to union representatives when workers request support.
Surveilling, intimidating, and interrogating workers over union activity, watching who wears pins, who attends meetings, and who speaks up.

That’s why Kaiser frontline pharmacy and CLS/MLT healthcare workers all over Southern California will be ULP striking – to protest the company’s labor violations throughout negotiations that have prevented them from getting the fair contract they deserve. All UFCW Kaiser pharmacy and CLS/MLT members will be on strike. Picket lines will be held at certain Kaiser locations. See the list below.

With this action, UFCW members will be protesting Kaiser’s illegal actions alongside the more than 31,000 UNAC/UHCP frontline registered nurses and health professionals who will have been on strike since Monday, January 26, 2026.

We need to all band together in solidarity to make these actions as effective as possible. Here’s how you can support the upcoming ULP strike right now:

Stay Informed and Prepared

Join a webinar today, Thursday, January 29 at 9am or 7pm where we’ll provide the latest updates and answer your questions about this ULP strike. Register below:

Kaiser Meeting – 1/29 @ 9am

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_heB1bX_YSWerpqSeAGklBg

Kaiser Meeting – 1/29 @ 7pm

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8HodLnEYRtu46HpbFdhy8Q

Demand KP leadership end the delays and distractions and to return to the National Bargaining table. Sign the letter here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/we-will-not-be-divided-its-time-for-a-fair-contract?source=direct_link&
Stay in touch with your steward and union rep who will be communicating information to members in facilities about actions and next steps in real time.
Make sure we have your up-to-date phone and email info so you can get updates on the ULP strike in real time. If you’re not receiving messages from your union, contact your union representative who can update your information.
Follow us on social media for the latest information. www.ufcw324.org
@UFCW 324 on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok and BlueSky.

Picket Line Locations

KP DOWNEY MEDICAL CENTER

KP ANAHEIM MEDICAL CENTER

KP IRVINE MEDICAL CENTER

If you have any questions about what’s happening at the table, the ULP strike authorization, or anything else, reach out to your Bargaining Committee Member, Steward, or Union Representative.

In solidarity,

Your UFCW Kaiser Bargaining Committee

January 23, 2026

We Voted YES! ULP Strike Authorization Overwhelmingly Passes!

We’ve had enough of Kaiser’s union-busting tactics and illegal actions that undermine critical healthcare workers, and we’ve spoken loud and clear.

This week, CLS/MLT members across Southern California came together and overwhelmingly voted YES to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike against Kaiser for suspending national collective bargaining negotiations, denying access to a union representative, surveilling, intimidating, and interrogating workers over Union activity and several other unfair labor practices against our siblings in the Alliance of Healthcare Unions. This vote sends a strong message to Kaiser: We’ve had enough of their union-busting tactics that undermine workers and silence our voices. They need to stop delaying, stop trying to divide the Alliance of Healthcare Unions, and get back to negotiating a fair contract.

What does this mean?

With this strike authorization vote, CLS/MLT members are now prepared to join forces with both our UFCW pharmacy members, who previously authorized an Unfair Labor Practice Strike in October 2025, and our Alliance siblings at UNAC/UHCP.

It does not mean we are on an Unfair Labor Practice strike right now. If you walk off the job before the union declares a strike, you can be disciplined and/or fired. Right now, we’re still assessing the situation and developing the most effective strategy to ensure you get the contract you deserve. Remember, you will always be the first to know when we take action.

See below for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about ULP Strikes.

What’s next?

Kaiser continues to try and divide unions in the Alliance to stop us from standing together for what we deserve. We are fed up with being overworked, disrespected, and undervalued, and Kaiser wants us to remain that way. We won’t let that happen.

Demand KP leadership end the delays and distractions and to return to the National Bargaining table. Sign the letter here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/we-will-not-be-divided-its-time-for-a-fair-contract?source=direct_link&

Join with our Alliance siblings UNAC/UHCP who are initiating a ULP strike on Monday, January 26, and support their strike before/after your shifts or during your break. Find a strike line HERE.

Meanwhile, stay connected. Stay ready. This is our moment. We are united, and we are ready to do whatever it takes to defend our rights.

If you have any questions about what’s happening at the table, the ULP strike authorization, or anything else, reach out to your Bargaining Committee Member, Steward, or Union Representative.

In solidarity,

Your UFCW Kaiser Bargaining Committee

January 16, 2026

What’s happening with bargaining?

Kaiser continues to refuse to bargain in good faith, delaying negotiations because we are standing firm on the demands you deserve. Instead of addressing the real issues at the bargaining table, Kaiser is distracting members with false accusations about UNAC/UHCP.

In response to Kaiser’s delay tactics, UNAC has issued a 10-day strike notice. Currently, UFCW, UNAC and all the Alliance Unions are developing a unified strategy to secure the best possible contract.

We’re still fighting for the issues that impact your work, your patients, and your livelihoods, including across-the-Board Increases (ATBs), contract alignment, safe staffing, retroactive pay, wage equity for our Kern County members, a fair Performance Sharing Program, first contracts without takeaways, and a strong voice for professional caregivers in patient care.

These issues are essential, not only for delivering safe, high‑quality care, but also for retaining the dedicated healthcare workers who keep Kaiser running every day.

Now is the moment to increase the pressure and push Kaiser back to the national bargaining table to settle a fair agreement. Kaiser wants to divide us using classic anti‑union tactics that are wrapped in polished messaging aimed at turning members against their co-workers and their unions. We will not allow that.

What can you do?

Join a webinar on Wednesday, January 21st at 9am and 7pm where we’ll talk about what’s happening in negotiations, UNAC, and the upcoming UFCW CLS/MLT Unfair Labor Practice Strike vote. Register here:

Wednesday January 21 9AM: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hd-F4mkeQSeWxfu6DHVu3w

Wednesday January 21 7PM: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vS1hpwcTR9yKz9rS7RrKTg

Demand KP leadership end the delays and distractions and to return to the National Bargaining table. Sign the letter here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/we-will-not-be-divided-its-time-for-a-fair-contract?source=direct_link&

Unity has always been our strength. And when we remain united, we overcome every attempt to weaken our movement. As Alliance union members, we remain deeply committed to our Kaiser Permanente patients and communities. We are equally committed to securing a strong national agreement and local agreements for all 62,000 Alliance members.

In solidarity,

Your UFCW Kaiser Bargaining Committee

January 14, 2026

A month later, and we’re still waiting on Kaiser to come back to the bargaining table. Over 25 local contracts remain open with critical open issues, and important national issues still remain unresolved: contract alignment, equity funding, staffing levels, a fair PSP, retroactive wage increases, and caregiver voice in patient care.

While Kaiser stalls bargaining, UFCW is taking action.

Kaiser has broken the law by suspending national collective bargaining negotiations and denying you access to your union representatives at work. These Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) harm our ability to communicate with you and protect your rights.

In response to their unlawful behavior, we’re holding ULP strike authorization votes for UFCW Kaiser CLS/MLT members January 22 and 23, 2026. Kaiser pharmacy members previously took a ULP Strike authorization vote in October, so they remain ready to go out on an Unfair Labor Practice strike if the bargaining committee feels one is necessary.

To help CLS members understand what’s happening with negotiations and the CLS ULP strike vote, we’re holding webinars on Wednesday, January 21st at 9am and 7pm.

Wednesday January 21 9AM: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hd-F4mkeQSeWxfu6DHVu3w

Wednesday January 21 7PM: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vS1hpwcTR9yKz9rS7RrKTg

We know Kaiser is attempting to hire scabs in case of a strike. This is a scare tactic meant to undermine our leverage. We must stay united with our Alliance siblings as we fight for the respect, dignity, and contract that every worker deserves.

When we fight, we win!

In solidarity,
Your UFCW Kaiser Bargaining Committee

KAISER UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE STRIKE FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions we are hearing from our members about the contract and Unfair Labor Practice strikes:

What is a strike?

What is an unfair labor practice (ULP)?

What is an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike?

A ULP strike is when workers walk off the job and/or do not go to work per their scheduled shift to protest unfair labor practices the company has allegedly committed.

What is an economic strike?

How is an economic strike different from an unfair labor practice strike?

Striking to protest unfair labor practices (unlike an economic strike) means that workers can not be permanently replaced. In addition, workers can return to work without a contract being approved.

Would my job be protected while on an unfair labor practice strike?

What has to happen for us to strike?

These steps must be taken before we can strike:

The contract must expire or otherwise not be in effect
At least two-thirds of the workers in the bargaining unit who participate in the vote must vote to authorize negotiators to call a strike
The negotiators (union leaders and workers on the bargaining committee) must decide WHEN to strike in order to make it most effective.
Your union must give a 10-day notice to Kaiser with specific information on dates/locations. So you’ll know 10 days ahead of time when and where a strike would occur.
A Union representative notifies workers it is time to walk out on the line.

AGAIN: DO NOT WALK OUT UNTIL YOUR UNION NOTIFIES YOU. If you walk out before that, you could be disciplined and/or fired by your employer.

What is the difference between a strike and a lockout?

A strike is an action initiated by the union, while a lockout is an action initiated by the employer.

When would we go on strike?

If we go on strike, when would we picket?

Picket Captains would set a schedule with the union representative for picket coverage during open hours to maximize our efforts to send patients elsewhere while we are on strike.

If we go on strike, how long would we be on strike?

Would I lose my benefits/insurance if we go on strike?

What will happen to members who cross the picket line if we go on strike?

What happens if members simply stay home? (Don’t walk the picket line but don’t go to work)

Do I keep my same job classification and pay once a strike is over and I go back to work?

A ULP strike would not affect your job classification. The terms of returning to work depend on the contract negotiated.

What if I have more questions?