News

Kaiser Permanente has notified LACERA that it is preparing for an open-ended strike announced by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) local unions, which represent pharmacy employees and clinical lab scientists at Kaiser facilities across Southern California. The unions plan to begin the strike at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, following more than eight months of bargaining.

Kaiser notes that the upcoming UFCW strike adds to the challenges created by the ongoing United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) work stoppage, but the organization reports that it is prepared to manage the operational challenges associated with two concurrent open-ended strikes.

Contingency plans originally launched during the UNAC/UHCP strike are being expanded to support pharmacy operations, laboratory services, and other areas that may be affected. Facilities will continue to be staffed by physicians, experienced managers, trained personnel, licensed contract professionals, and additional contingency staff. 

Hospitals and nearly all medical offices will stay open. Some pharmacies and labs will close. Members will continue to have 24/7 access to same day care through Get Care Now on kp.org and the mobile app. Some appointments may shift to virtual visits, and certain non-urgent procedures may be rescheduled to keep resources focused on urgent needs.

Members can find updated information about service impacts at kp.org.