By Robert Haugh

More than 30,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses and health care workers walked off the job Tuesday morning, including hundreds at the Santa Clara Medical Center.

Union leaders called it the largest strike in their history.

The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) began the five-day walkout yesterday at 7 a.m., demanding better staffing, higher pay, and stronger patient-care protections.

The union represents not only nurses but also pharmacists, nurse practitioners, midwives, physician assistants, rehab therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, and other specialists.

Outside Kaiser Santa Clara, picketers lined Homestead Road with signs reading “Safe Staffing Saves Lives” and “Fair Pay for Care.” 

Kaiser officials said pharmacies in Northern California remain open and staffed, but patient services at hospitals and clinics may experience delays. 

Union leaders say the walkout reflects a crisis across California’s health care system. “Our members are exhausted and understaffed,” said UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine Morales in a statement. “We cannot provide quality care if Kaiser continues to stretch us thin.”

The strike follows months of tense contract talks over wage increases and safe staffing ratios. Union officials say they gave notice last week after negotiations failed to produce a deal. 

They argue that staffing shortages have led to longer wait times and higher burnout among nurses and technicians.

Kaiser executives counter that the organization has hired thousands of new employees statewide and is offering “competitive compensation and benefits.”

The strike is expected to last through Saturday, unless a new contract is reached sooner. Both sides have agreed to continue negotiations during the walkout.