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2,400 Kaiser Therapists Strike Over AI Replacement Fears

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

About 2,400 Kaiser Permanente mental health professionals in Northern California went on strike over fears that artificial intelligence (AI) could replace therapists.
The National Union of Health Care Workers (NUHW) says Kaiser is changing screening and replacing licensed professionals with less-qualified workers, and 23,000 nurses joined.
Kaiser Permanente denies claims, says AI will not replace therapists, and the union seeks contract language to limit AI, aligning with Southern California protections.

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Story summary

About 2,400 Kaiser Permanente mental health professionals in Northern California went on strike over fears that artificial intelligence (AI) could replace therapists.
The National Union of Health Care Workers (NUHW) says Kaiser is changing screening and replacing licensed professionals with less-qualified workers, and 23,000 nurses joined.
Kaiser Permanente denies claims, says AI will not replace therapists, and the union seeks contract language to limit AI, aligning with Southern California protections.