Hundreds of Kaiser Permanente Hawaii workers have begun picketing at the Moanalua Medical Center in Honolulu to kick off a strike scheduled to last six days, according to the Star Advertiser.
The picketing marks the first statewide strike for Unite Here Local 5-Kaiser Permanente Hawaii members in nearly 30 years.
The Unite Here Local 5 union — which represents roughly 1,900 Kaiser workers statewide — opposes a low proposed wage increase and a proposal to eliminate pensions for new employees. Understaffing is another issue union spokeswoman Paola Rodelas cited as a reason for the strike.
Individual workers who walk the picket lines for at least five, four-hour shifts will receive $300 from the union's strike fund. Out of the union members who cast ballots on the issue to strike, 88 percent were in favor.
During the strike, Kaiser announced it will close 10 smaller clinics, consolidate operations at large offices and reschedule elective and non-urgent appointments with patients.
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