Our Alliance Siblings Vote to Strike!
Across the country, healthcare workers are sending a powerful message to Kaiser Permanente: we are united, strong, and ready to fight for the fair contracts we deserve. Our siblings in UNAC/UHCP, USW Local 7600, Unite Here Local 5, OFNHP, and HNHP have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if necessary. These votes don’t mean an automatic strike, but they show Kaiser just how serious healthcare workers are about safe staffing, fair wages, and respect on the job.
For UFCW members, we are not in a position to take a strike vote or strike at this time. Our contracts are in effect until November 1, 2025 (Pharmacy) and February 1, 2026 (CLS/MLT), and we can’t strike until our contracts have expired.
But that does not mean we are standing on the sidelines. Our bargaining teams have been clear: we will not accept takeaways, and we will not let Kaiser disrespect our work. National bargaining resumes next week, and we will continue pressing Kaiser on the issues that matter most – wage increases, contract alignment, wage equity, and respect for the work we do every day.
If a strike is called by our Alliance siblings, you can support your union siblings by joining the strike on your off time – lunches, before or after your shift and days off. Now is the time to show our unity. Sign the strike pledge, join union actions, and make sure Kaiser sees that UFCW members are standing shoulder to shoulder with our Alliance siblings. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will win the fair contracts all healthcare workers deserve.
Sign the pledge HERE.
Learn more about a potential strike with these Frequently Asked Questions:
KAISER STRIKE FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions we are hearing from our members about the contract and a possible Alliance of Healthcare Unions Unfair Labor Practice strike:
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.
If we can’t strike, how can we support our union siblings?
You can go to the strike line on your off time – lunches and days off – to show your support. If your union has buttons, stickers, t-shirts, etc. wear them and tell your co-workers that you support the striking workers.
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.
Continue to Stay Informed and Involved!
Follow UFCW Local 135 and Alliance of Healthcare Unions social media accounts to stay up to date.
Alliance of Healthcare Unions:
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If you have any questions or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representatives.
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee