Kaiser Permanente Faces New Strike Threat as SoCal Pharmacy Workers Authorize ULP Walkout

LOS ANGELES — United Food and Commercial Workers or UFCW local unions representing Kaiser pharmacy employees Oct. 15 announced an overwhelming membership vote in favor of authorizing their bargaining team to call for an Unfair Labor Practice or ULP strike to protest Kaiser’s labor violations throughout negotiations that have prevented frontline pharmacy healthcare workers from getting the fair contract they deserve. 

The UFCW Locals 324 and 770 Bargaining Committee said the following:

“This vote sends a strong message to Kaiser: We’ve had enough of their union-busting tactics that undermine workers and silence our voices. And if they thought Kaiser members could be scared away from standing up for our rights, they just found out that they are very wrong.” 

“An Unfair Labor Practice strike is always a last resort, and we will continue to push Kaiser to do the right thing and come back to the table to bargain in good faith. We are hopeful that Kaiser will get its act together after witnessing the 46,000 Alliance workers who declared a strike this week and seeing that UFCW is ready to join a potential second wave of a strike. With this strike authorization vote, we’re now prepared to join forces with our Alliance siblings if Kaiser continues to commit unfair labor practices that undermine our rights.”

Kaiser Permanente pharmacy workers are fighting for a fair contract that ensures safe staffing and sustainable workloads to safeguard the highest standards of patient care. They are demanding industry-leading compensation and wage equity that recognizes their expertise, while also upholding dignity and equity for all workers, because quality patient care depends on a supported workforce.

BACKGROUND 

On Oct. 3, union locals with the Alliance of Health Care Unions, including HNHP, UNAC/UHCP, UNITE HERE Local 5, OFNHP Local 5017, and USW 7600 issued a 10-day strike notice to Kaiser Permanente. 

With no agreement reached by the Oct. 13 deadline, the unions began a five-day strike on Oct.14. This collective action demonstrates the workers’ resolve and sends a powerful message to Kaiser about the necessity of bargaining in good faith and respecting frontline healthcare staff.