UNAC/UHCP Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Kaiser Permanente for Bypassing Bargaining and Undermining Good-Faith Negotiations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: press@unacuhcp.org

December 20, 2025

LOS ANGELES — United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge this week at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Kaiser Permanente alleging the employer is attempting to bypass the agreed-upon national bargaining process and interfere with good-faith negotiations that have been underway since May 2025.

The filing follows Kaiser Permanente’s decision to abruptly pause bargaining after delivering a letter that described a private meeting and alleged concerns about information relevant to bargaining. Kaiser is using a feigned concern about the union’s lawful and protected communication during that meeting as a pretext to halt negotiations, sidestep the mediator-supported bargaining structure, and pressure union decision-making outside of the established process. In addition, Kaiser management has consistently been absent from scheduled negotiating tables —only to send late-night communication directly to union members, attempting to bypass the process.

“Kaiser Permanente cannot use a sudden, unilateral ‘pause’ to escape its legal obligation to bargain in good faith with the professionals who make care possible,” said UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine S. Morales.

“We are ready to bargain—today, tomorrow, and every day it takes to reach fair contracts,” Morales added. “Kaiser should return to the table immediately and honor the bargaining process we have committed to in good faith.”

What the ULP Charge Alleges

The UNAC/UHCP unfair labor practice charge at the NLRB seeks full legal sanctions to remedy Kaiser Permanente’s unlawful and bad faith actions, which include:

• Undermining and bypassing the established bargaining process by attempting to isolate union representatives and restructure bargaining outside agreed-upon ground rules;
• Interrupting bargaining and delaying progress on critical workplace issues affecting frontline caregivers and patients;
• Interfering with protected union activity by creating coercive conditions that chill open, good-faith negotiations.

 

The Stakes for Caregivers and Patients

UNAC/UHCP represents 31,000 registered nurses and health care professionals across Kaiser Permanente facilities in California and Hawaii who provide direct patient care and essential support services every day. UNAC/UHCP urges Kaiser to end delays and disruptions to bargaining jeopardize timely resolution of staffing, retention, and workplace standards that directly impact patient access and quality of care.

Next Steps

UNAC/UHCP is demanding Kaiser:

1. Resume bargaining without delay under the established national bargaining process and mediator-supported framework;
2. Cease and desist from actions that bypass or undermine the unions’ designated bargaining representatives;
3. Provide assurances that Kaiser will fulfill its legal obligation to bargain in good faith.