(MENAFN) Tens of thousands of healthcare workers employed by Kaiser Permanente initiated a large-scale strike Tuesday morning, impacting hospitals and medical centers across the U.S. West Coast.

The walkout spans over 500 facilities, predominantly located in California and Hawaii, including multiple sites in the Los Angeles region, according to local media outlets.

Commencing at 7 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, the strike is planned to continue until 7 a.m. Sunday, per an announcement on Kaiser Permanente’s official website.

This labor action represents the largest strike ever recorded in the 50-year history of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, the union representing the striking employees.

In a press release, the union stated, "Kaiser employees are launching a 5-day strike against Kaiser Permanente -- not because they want to, but because they have to." The union emphasized that the strike’s goals include securing safe staffing levels, equitable wages, and safeguarding patient care.

Responding to the strike, Kaiser Permanente described the walkout as "unnecessary and disruptive," affirming the organization’s dedication to negotiating a deal that "balances fair pay with high-quality, affordable care."

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