Kaiser Permanente, headquartered in Oakland, California, is the largest private employer in the state and has a significant presence there. It operates 36 hospitals and over 500 medical office buildings within California, providing coverage to approximately half of all Californians with private health insurance. Recently, Kaiser employees have initiated what labor leaders are calling the largest health care strike in recent U.S. history. This three-day strike involves more than 75,000 workers across eight states and the District of Columbia, with over 60,000 of those workers located in California. The strike includes various healthcare roles such as laboratory workers, pharmacy technicians, phlebotomists, and housekeepers. As a result, there may be delays for patients seeking medical appointments, lab results, or prescriptions. While doctors and many nurses are not participating in the strike, Kaiser officials have warned that non-urgent procedures may be postponed, clinic hours may be reduced, and phone waiting times could be lengthy. Some locations have temporarily closed or are operating with reduced hours, but all hospitals and emergency departments remain open. The high cost of living and growing income inequality in California have contributed to an increasing number of strikes by workers. Kaiser Permanente workers are demanding higher wages and better staffing levels to ensure adequate care for patients. The strike has garnered significant support, with hundreds of healthcare workers picketing outside a medical center in San Francisco. Workers like Edward Lopez-Matus, a medical assistant, have expressed concerns about being assigned to assist two doctors due to understaffing, which leads to longer wait times for patients and an increased risk of errors. The workers are calling for an end to such practices, as well as fair wages that can support their families. The strike aims to pressure Kaiser Permanente to address these concerns and negotiate in good faith with the union.