What is a strike?
A strike is when union members withhold their labor together to put pressure on management to reach a fair agreement. It is our most powerful tool to achieve safe staffing, fair wages, and respect for our work. We sacrifice in the short term for long term gain for our patients and ourselves.
When could a strike happen?
A strike could only happen if authorized by members, beginning on or after October 1, 2025, when our contracts expire. By law, the union must give Kaiser at least 10 days’ notice before any strike. This notice period allows additional bargaining to try to reach an agreement that avoids a strike, and it gives Kaiser time to prepare for continuity of care.
How is going on strike decided?
Only OFNHP Kaiser members can decide whether to strike. A strike authorization vote empowers the bargaining team to call a strike if necessary. We move forward only when members demonstrate strong unity and support.
How does the strike authorization process work?
The union will issue a strike authorization vote. If a supermajority of members vote in favor, the bargaining unit chairs may authorize a strike if they deem it necessary to secure fair contracts.
Does authorizing a strike mean the strike begins immediately?
No. Strike authorization means a strike may be called. Hospital strikes in the U.S. require a 10-day notice period. Once a strategic start date is chosen, notice is provided and members have 10 days to prepare. October 1 is the earliest possible start date, but a strike could happen at any point afterward with sufficient notice.
What issues could lead to a strike?
A strike may become necessary if management refuses to make meaningful progress on the most important elements of our contract. Wages are central because they directly affect safe staffing, patient support, and work-life balance. Fair wage adjustments are essential to recruit and retain qualified staff and to address the rising cost of living.
Will I be required to strike?
Participation is an individual choice. However, a strike is effective only when the vast majority take part. Bargaining unit chairs will not call a strike unless members show strong support.
Can I be disciplined or fired for striking?
No. It is unlawful to retaliate against employees for taking part in a protected strike.
Will it just be OFNHP going on strike?
No. A strike would include all eligible units across our Alliance of Healthcare Unions, representing 60,000 workers nationwide.
Are we asking patients not to cross the picket line?
No. Patients always deserve access to care. When patients arrive during a strike, it underscores the essential role of our members. Delays are likely, and patient care quality may be impacted when experienced staff are replaced by temporary workers. The best solution is for Kaiser to settle a fair contract.
Will I be paid during a strike?
No. Striking means withholding labor and wages. Hardship resources and support funds will be available for members on strike and participating in strike activities.
What about health insurance?
Kaiser could choose to end health benefits after the employer-paid period, though this is extremely rare. In most Oregon healthcare strikes, benefits have continued, including the recent 46-day Providence strike. COBRA coverage would be available to ensure continuity of care should Kaiser make that choice.
What if I need financial help?
While there is no permanent strike fund, members can apply for an interest-free loan through AFT, our national union. Additional hardship funds will also be available. Members are encouraged to prepare savings if possible. More information on strike resources is available.
Is striking safe for patients?
Yes. The law requires 10 days’ notice, giving Kaiser time to adjust admissions and staffing. Our strike is about improving care by securing safe staffing and fair working conditions.
Can my license be sanctioned for “patient abandonment”?
No. A lawful strike with proper notice is not patient abandonment. No licensing board can punish members for exercising their legal right to strike.
How long will a strike last?
The duration depends on our strategy and how quickly Kaiser agrees to a fair contract. Most healthcare strikes last from a few days to a few weeks, though members must be prepared for longer if needed.
Will the public support us?
Yes. Healthcare workers are highly trusted, and patients recognize that our fight is for safe staffing and quality care. Community groups, unions, and allies will stand with us.
Which units are prohibited from striking?
Two of our six bargaining units — Techs and Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) — have different contract expiration dates. They cannot legally strike at this time but will continue to support the campaign in other critical ways.
If I’m not in a striking unit, can Kaiser make me do the work of striking employees?
No. You cannot be forced to perform “struck work” — tasks normally done by striking employees. If management directs you to do so, document the request and report it to the union.
Can I strike if I’m on probation or if I’m an on-call employee?
Yes. All represented employees — including probationary and on-call staff — have the same federally protected right to strike. You cannot be fired, disciplined, or retaliated against for striking. If retaliation occurs, your union will defend you.
Other than not reporting to work, how can I participate?
The most important action is to honor the strike by not crossing the picket line. Members are also encouraged to sign up for picket shifts at Kaiser facilities. Visibility on the line builds morale and informs patients and the public of our cause.
What if I have a medical condition that prevents me from joining the line?
If you are under doctor’s orders and cannot walk the line, you will not be required to. Contact your union representative to discuss alternative ways to support the strike. Every member has a role, and accommodations will be made.
What if I have medical appointments or procedures during the strike?
Continue attending medical appointments as needed. Striking does not affect your right to access care.
What about managers being reassigned to bedside care?
The Oregon State Board of Nursing requires that anyone accepting a patient assignment must be competent and documented as such. Managers who have not provided direct care in years may not meet these standards, raising risks for both patients and licenses.
What if I’m scheduled when the strike begins?
If you are at work when the strike begins, safely hand off patients and complete necessary charting before joining your coworkers on the picket line. Striking after proper notice is not patient abandonment. We will provide specific instruction on this matter should a strike be called.
What about replacement workers?
Kaiser may attempt to bring in temporary workers, but healthcare jobs require licensing and orientation, making this difficult. We are strongest when we remain united on the picket line.
I work remotely — do I have to honor the strike?
Yes. Remote workers who continue working are considered to have crossed the picket line. During a strike, Kaiser may reassign duties or require PTO if services are disrupted. Remote employees should participate in the same way as on-site employees.
What do we do on the picket line?
DO: Sign up for shifts, carry signs, chant, bring friends/family, stay safe, have fun, and follow the Picket Captain’s lead.
DON’T: Block traffic, trespass on hospital property, confront replacement workers, or use abusive language. The picket line is about unity, safety, and visibility.
Can managers ask if I’m striking?
Yes, but you are not required to answer. If asked, report it to a steward.
Should I take my belongings out of my worksite before a strike?
Yes, you should. Technically, when we are on strike, management is not required to respect your workspace. We recommend removing any personal belongings from lockers, cubicles, or other work areas. Doing this together can also be a powerful action—when management sees workers across their units voluntarily clearing out their belongings during the ten-day notice and before the strike begins, it sends a strong message.
Will I be required to train replacement workers?
You are required to follow management’s direction and train those you are instructed to. If training travelers is not part of your work or falls outside your job duties, you can file a grievance or take other action. When you train replacement workers, make sure to cover every policy and requirement thoroughly so that nothing is missed. Many of the employees still working during the strike will be watching closely and reporting mistakes, and you can remind them that their work will be highly scrutinized.
What should you avoid doing in advance of a strike?
Never disparage the care that Kaiser provides. Instead, focus on expressing concern for the future of patient care if Kaiser forces a strike. For example, you can raise questions about whether Kaiser will be able to provide life-saving care during a strike if they refuse to settle a fair contract.
What does the strike authorization process look like?
Strike authorization will run from the early morning of September 15th through mid-day on September 19th. Results will be shared with members shortly after voting closes and announced publicly the following Monday. Voting will take place primarily online through emailed ballots, but we will also have worksite locations where you can ask questions and cast your vote if you are unable to do so by email.
What can you do to make this strike authorization vote a success?
First, sign the strike pledge to show your commitment to voting YES on the strike authorization vote. Second, talk to your coworkers about a potential strike, share what you’ve learned from this FAQ, and encourage them to sign the pledge too. Strikes are successful when we stand together in solidarity, so letting your coworkers know you plan to strike if called and that you’ve got their back is the most powerful thing you can do!
What can I do right now?
- Attend our upcoming informational pickets.
Stay informed through bargaining updates, union news, and by attending union meetings.
Protected Leave Related Questions
Can I use contractual paid vacation while participating in a strike?
No. You cannot use paid vacation leave while striking because the reason for your absence from work is participating in the strike, not vacation.
I anticipate starting to receive Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) or Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML) benefits prior to the beginning of the strike, and continuing during the strike, and have already received approval from Kaiser for the leave prior to the start of the strike. Can I remain on those leave benefits during the strike while also participating in certain strike activities?
Yes, but only if the reason why you qualified for the leave benefits still applies at the time of the strike and you act consistently with the reason for your leave during the strike. For example, if you anticipate being on leave to recover from a knee surgery and during your recovery are not released by your medical provider to stand and walk for prolonged periods, you should not walk the picket line during that period. You could, however, sit at the picket line to support the union. Or, if you anticipate being on parental leave during the strike, you could still participate in the strike by visiting the picket line with an infant. So long as your activities in support of the strike are consistent with your medical restrictions, you should not risk being accused of improper use of leave merely by supporting the strike while on leave.
I anticipate starting to receive Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) benefits or Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML) after the start of a strike, and have already received approval from Kaiser for the leave prior to the start of the strike. Can I participate in the strike until my leave starts and then receive leave benefits?
It’s unclear. We believe that employees who have previously qualified for and have scheduled leave to begin after the strike begins should still be eligible for those leave benefits and protections even if they participate in the strike until the date their leave starts. But the fact that you will be striking, rather than working, at the moment you start your leave may complicate your application or receipt of leave benefits. If you anticipate being in this situation, you should consult with the union for more assistance.
What if I have not applied for or received approval for a leave prior to starting my participation in the strike, but then I apply for Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) or Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML) benefits to start at some time during the strike? Can I still receive leave benefits in this circumstance?
It’s unlikely. In Oregon, to receive PLO benefits you must be taking a leave from work, meaning that you otherwise expect to be available to work but are unable to work due to a reason that qualifies you to receive benefits (family leave, medical leave, or safe leave). In Washington, to receive PFML benefits, you must be on leave because of a qualifying event (family leave or medical leave). If you have not sought leave for this time period before you start to participate in a strike, it may be inferred that you are not performing work duties because of your participation in the strike, rather than for the reason that qualifies you to receive paid leave. To have the best chance of being approved for Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) or Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML) for a period during the strike, we recommend you receive approval for your anticipated leave as soon as possible. Oregon and Washington law both require you to provide 30 days advance notice to your employer when your leave is foreseeable.
Can I go back and forth between striking and receiving paid leave under Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) or Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML)?
No. Once the strike starts, you generally have one opportunity to change your participation status—either by stopping participating in the strike in order to take protected leave, or by stopping leave to participate in the strike. If you change your status more than once, you will be considered to be engaging in an intermittent strike, which is unlawful.
I am currently on or plan to start scheduled intermittent leave during the strike. Can I strike on the days/times when I am not using intermittent leave?
No. Starting and stopping participation in a strike repeatedly will be considered engaging in an unlawful intermittent strike. If you are on leave at the start of the strike and intend to join the strike, you must do so for the entire remainder of the strike and relinquish leave benefits for the entire period of the strike.
Does Kaiser have to maintain my existing health insurance coverage while I am on paid leave during a strike?
If you are receiving Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) benefits, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML) benefits, or any other leave covered by FMLA or OFLA during a strike, Kaiser must maintain your existing health insurance coverage while you are that leave, but you will continue to be responsible for your share of any health insurance premiums.
What will happen with my health insurance coverage if I am participating in a strike either before or after a period of receiving paid leave benefits?
It depends on the particular circumstances. Kaiser has the option to discontinue health insurance coverage for striking workers if the strike continues past the period for which Kaiser has already paid health insurance premiums. So, the particular timing of a strike, the timing of your paid leave, and Kaiser’s decisions will all play a role. If Kaiser does discontinue health insurance for striking employees, you can always maintain uninterrupted health insurance benefits by paying for COBRA coverage.
Can I receive unemployment benefits while on strike?
It depends on where you work and when the strike starts. If the strike starts on or after January 1, 2026, you can receive unemployment benefits in limited circumstances during a lawful strike. If you work in Oregon, you can receive benefits after the first two weeks of a strike, but for no more than 10 weeks total. These benefits will need to be paid back if you receive back pay from the employer to resolve the strike. If you work in Washington, you can receive unemployment benefits starting as early as one week after the second Sunday following the first date of the strike, and benefits cannot exceed 6 weeks. In Washington, you will be required to repay overpayments for benefits received for any week for which you later receive back pay from the employer to resolve the strike.
Can I receive unemployment benefits or workers’ compensation benefits, and also Paid Leave Oregon benefits, during a strike?
You cannot receive unemployment benefits during a period of Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) or Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML) benefits. Regarding workers’ compensation, in Oregon you cannot receive both workers compensation time loss benefits and Paid Leave Oregon benefits at the same time, although you can receive other types of workers compensation benefits (medical reimbursement, survivors’ benefits, etc.) and still be eligible for Paid Leave Oregon benefits. In Washington, you cannot receive PFML benefits during the same week you receive or expect to receive paid benefits from workers’ compensation.
If I am on workers’ compensation benefits, can I participate in the strike and still continue to receive those benefits?
Because workers’ compensation is such a specialized system and individual circumstances vary widely, we encourage you to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney in your state to address your particular scenario. Please contact the union and we can refer you to an expert workers’ compensation attorney.
What should I do if I receive a written denial of Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) or Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML) benefits or if I have another leave issue related to the strike?
Please contact OFNHP at itsmyunion@ofnhp.org right away, including the details of your situation and someone from the union will reach out to provide assistance. If you are offered the opportunity to appeal any negative decision, we encourage you to do so in order to preserve your rights.