February 23, 2026
UNAC/UHCP to end strikes in California and Hawaii markets
Kaiser Permanente employees will return to their normal schedules in a phased approach focused on patient safety, employee well-being, and member access and experience.
This message from Greg Holmes, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, was sent to all Kaiser Permanente employees on Monday, February 23.
Early this morning we received notification from UNAC/UHCP that, effective at 7 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, they have made an unqualified offer to return to work from the strike that its locals have been conducting in our California and Hawaii markets for more than 4 weeks.
Following receipt of their notice, we notified UNAC/UHCP that we have formulated a reentry plan for employees’ return to work based on 3 guiding principles: patient safety, member access and experience, and employee safety.
This process does not apply to employees who have already crossed the picket line and are currently reporting for their regularly scheduled shifts. Employees returning from the strike represented by this union will be scheduled to return to work this week as follows:
Southern California
Given the size and scale of the strike, we are implementing a structured and orderly return-to-work plan over a 3-day period. This approach prioritizes patient safety, supports employee well-being, and helps ensure uninterrupted member access, a positive care experience, and the seamless reintegration of our teams. Managers and schedulers will proactively reach out beginning February 23 to provide guidance on scheduling and next steps.
Northern California
Returning CRNAs should work with their managers to confirm their next scheduled shift. Returning physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as CNMs, acupuncturists, and physician assistants should return to their next scheduled shift. Managers will reach out to employees whose schedule has changed since prior to the strike. Additionally, managers will work with employees to reinstate their schedule based on patient care needs.
Hawaii
Returning employees will return to their normal schedules tomorrow through the remainder of the week.
This announcement follows significant progress we have been making in local bargaining with UNAC/UHCP nurses. While we have not yet reached agreements with each of the local unions on overall contract terms, we remain optimistic about doing so based on progress being made in local bargaining.
We look forward to the return of our employees who have been out on strike for more than 4 weeks. We are appreciative of those dedicated employees who came to work during the strike, and the thousands of employees and physicians who came together to ensure continuity of care these past weeks. We understand it has been a challenging time for many, and we thank everyone affected by the strike for their patience and understanding as we worked to ensure our members and patients remained the focus of all we do.
Our priority as we finalize schedules and plans to resume normal operations is to ensure that we do so in an orderly way that protects patient and employee safety and supports access for our members and patients.
We are also working on updating and informing our members and patients about our return to normal operations and the rescheduling of impacted appointments.
As we look ahead, it’s important for us to keep our focus on what matters most: improving the lives of our patients, members, and the communities we serve.
Thank you for all that you do each day to live Kaiser Permanente’s mission.
