Tens of thousands of Kaiser Permanente workers are off the job this week, launching what’s being called the largest strike in the 50-year history of their union. From hospitals to clinics, the impact is being felt across multiple West Coast states. The front-line healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente are demanding better wages and safer staffing levels. The five-day strike, which began Tuesday, includes an estimated 31,000 registered nurses, pharmacists, midwives, rehab therapists, and other essential staff. The strike spans 500 Kaiser facilities in California, Oregon, and Hawaii, and organizers say it could grow to include up to 46,000 workers. At the heart of the dispute: a 25% wage increase over four years to help offset inflation and what the union says is a 7% pay gap compared to industry peers. Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health providers, says it’s offering a 21.5% raise, and warns that meeting the union’s demands could drive up costs for patients. Still, the union argues current pay and short staffing are leading to burnout and putting patient care at risk. While hospitals and clinics remain open, some appointments have been moved online and elective procedures postponed. Negotiations between the union and Kaiser are ongoing.