Thousands of Kaiser Permanente Workers in Ventura County Join Massive Strike

Nurses and healthcare professionals across Ventura County have officially walked off the job. They joined a massive labor action on Monday, January 26, 2026.

The strike involves roughly 31,000 workers across California and Hawaii. Local employees gathered at picket lines starting at 7:00 a.m. at Kaiser’s Woodland Hills Medical Center.

The workers are represented by the United Nurses Associations of California (UNAC/UHCP). This union includes registered nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists.

Striking workers say they are fighting for safe staffing levels and fair wages. They claim that chronic understaffing is leading to dangerous delays in patient care.

The union also argues that current pay rates are not keeping up with the high cost of living. They are seeking better retirement benefits for newer employees as well.

This is an open-ended strike, meaning there is no set date for it to end. Workers have vowed to remain on the picket lines until a new contract is reached.

Kaiser Permanente officials have called the strike "unnecessary." They noted that they have already proposed a 21.5% wage increase over the next few years.

The health system has activated contingency plans to keep hospitals open. However, some non-urgent appointments and elective surgeries may be rescheduled.

Patients are encouraged to use mail-order services for prescriptions, as some pharmacies may close. Urgent care and emergency departments will remain operational during the walkout.

This is the second major work stoppage for these employees in recent months. A shorter, five-day strike was previously held back in October 2025.