Union says it’s ready to continue negotiations as strike enters third day
Maui Health is ‘hopeful’ that talks will resume, but no date has been set
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The United Public Workers union said it's ready to pick up negotiations again as the union's strike at three Maui County hospitals entered its third day.
UPW said Friday that it has notified hospital officials through a federal mediator that they are available to meet and continue negotiations at any time. The union's negotiating and executive teams are on island and available.
"A strike is not an easy decision, but our members are committed to making their voices heard and demanding fair treatment for all workers," UPW State Director Kalani Werner said in a news release Friday. "We would like to return to the bargaining table as soon as possible for the benefit of the entire community."
The union represents nearly 500 nurses, aides, respiratory therapists, housekeepers, cooks and other workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital, which are operated by Maui Health. Workers at the three facilities walked out Wednesday and began picketing after voting to reject Maui Health's final offer.
When asked if and when Maui Health and the union might meet again for negotiations, Maui Health said in a statement on Friday that "we remain hopeful talks with UPW will resume soon."
In the meantime, other hospital staff have expressed concerns that the duties of striking workers will fall to them.
"We've heard, despite the fact that we provided the hospital with 10 days' advance notice of the strike, they are continuing to try to operate business as usual despite not filling our core and critical positions," Werner said. "There will be disruptions, and we kindly ask the public to respect the picket line and to contact the hospital with any complaints."
Maui Health has said that it has a contingency plan that includes staffing areas affected by the striking workers.
"This staffing is provided through multiple sources with additional assistance available should the strike continue for an extended time," the hospital operator said.
Maui Health did not respond directly to questions of how many workers have been brought in during the strike and who is handling the striking workers' roles. However, it emphasized again that it is working to make sure patient care continues.
"Maui Health has been working closely with community providers to review scheduled procedures to ensure patients receive the care they need. If patients have a concern with a scheduled appointment, they should contact their medical provider. If emergency medical care is needed, the emergency departments are available 24/7 to provide care. In addition, all hospital and facility entrances remain open and accessible for employees and providers, patients, and visitors," Maui Health said.
For updates on hospital operations during the strike, visit mauihealth.org/operations.