History of Power
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) has a rich history of advocating for registered nurses and healthcare professionals.
In 1972, 40 fearless registered nurses took a stand, determined to be heard. Their mission? Fight for their rights and revolutionize their profession. Through bold strikes and relentless advocacy, they shook the system, paving the way for what is now UNAC/UHCP.
From those roots of solidarity, we’ve grown stronger, uniting nurses, therapists, midwives, and more under one powerful vision—championing healthcare professionals and the patients we serve.
Building Power Through the Decades
View Our Award-Winning Documentary
Best Use of Electronic Media: Longform Video, 2023 Labor Media Awards, International Labor Communications Association
Our History in Photos
Our wins are woven into the fabric of our mission–and represent our commitment to creating safe, fair, and equitable workplaces for all healthcare professionals.
1972
A small group of registered nurses in Southern California establishes the United Nurses Associations of California (UNAC) as an all-RN union with the philosophy that RNs should represent RNs.
1974
After amendments to labor laws granted healthcare employees the right to unionize, hundreds of RNs across Southern California joined UNAC/UHCP.
1988–1989
UNAC/UHCP affiliated with the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE) and later with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the AFL-CIO, strengthening its national presence.
1996
Our union organized 2,500 RNs at Sharp Healthcare, marking the largest single RN bargaining unit in history at that time.
1999
Reflecting its diverse membership, our union changed its name, adding Union of Health Care Professionals to acknowledge representation beyond registered nurses.
2018
UNAC/UHCP expanded beyond California, welcoming healthcare workers from Maui Health System in Hawaii, which became our union’s first chapter outside the state.
2023–2024
Our union expanded into Northern California by representing several groups in the Kaiser system including physician assistants, therapists and nurse anesthetists.
Today
Today, UNAC/UHCP represents 40,000-plus registered nurses and healthcare professionals, advocating for quality patient care and the rights of healthcare workers.
For a more detailed overview, watch our award-winning documentary:
UNAC/UHCP BY THE NUMBERS
40,000 Members Strong
Our influence in healthcare spreads across Hawaii and California.
70+ Job Classifications
Our diverse population of healthcare professionals includes more than 70 roles represented, including registered nurses, dietitians, speech-language pathologist, pharmacists, optometrists and rehab therapists. Visit the About page to learn more.
40+ Locals
Our local affiliates and chapters provide opportunities for our members to make the biggest impact in their professions and in their communities.