Members of the Hawaii Nurses Association are set to begin a three-day strike on Jan. 13 at The Queen's Medical Center's campuses in Honolulu and Ewa Beach.
The union represents more than 1,900 nurses at the campuses, according to Hawaii News Now. The Queen's Medical Center is part of Honolulu-based The Queen's Health Systems, which employs more than 10,000 caregivers, medical staff and leaders.
Management received a 10-day notice from union members on Jan. 3, according to an HNA Facebook post.
"After months of negotiations and efforts to secure a fair contract and better working conditions, we are standing together to take a vital step toward ensuring our voices are heard," the post stated.
Union representatives added that the move "is not taken lightly" and "is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safe staffing ratios, competitive wages, and the resources we need to provide the highest standard of care for our patients."
Linda Puu, MSN, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive for The Queen's Health Systems, contends management has made significant efforts to address the union's concerns.
"This is not a David and Goliath scenario," she said in a statement shared with Becker's. "Our offer to HNA would make Queen's nurses the highest paid in the state and among the highest in the nation. We are offering pay raises of 5% the first year, 4% the second year and 4% for the third year for a total increase of 13% over three years."
Ms. Puu also emphasized management's commitment to safe staffing and said management has worked to avoid a strike during negotiations.
A strike could still be avoided if both sides reach an agreement. Both sides are slated to return to the bargaining table on Jan. 7.