HONOLULU (KHON2) — Thousands of healthcare workers in Hawaii are about to walk off the job on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Workers said they deserve higher wages, but the company said their offer that is currently on the table is more than enough.
Contract Negotiations between the Local 5 union and Kaiser Permanente have been ongoing since April, but an agreement has not been reached, and a five-day strike will start on Tuesday at 6:30 a.m.
“We deserve better wages. We deserve better staffing. We deserve to be thriving instead of surviving,” said Ha’a Miller, Kaiser Permanente cashier’s clerk.
Kaiser’s vice president of Ambulatory Care and Clinical Care services in Hawaii said their offer enhances medical and retiree benefits — and includes a significant pay bump for current employees.
“Our latest offer increases their already above-market wages by an additional 21.5% over the four-year contract,” Dionicia Lagapa said in a video statement.
The union that represents over 2,000 local Kaiser workers said mainland employees already earn over 30% of what local staff receive, and the healthcare company has deep enough pockets to satisfy their demands.
“They have $66 billion in their reserves, and it’s kind of like a slap in the face to hear that, because we’re fighting for better staffing and better wages, because we’re worth it,” Miller said.
A survey in 2024 of almost 800 employees represented by Local 5 revealed that about 84% of them thought of leaving Hawaii because of the high cost of living, but some said that is not an option.
“This is home. This is where the opportunity should be. Our people shouldn’t have to go out to the mainland to find better opportunities,” Miller said. “They like tell us that there is better opportunities in the mainland, but there isn’t. This is our home.”
Kaiser said they are ready for the strike, despite possible rescheduling of certain appointments, elective surgeries and procedures.
“If you have an appointment, don’t cancel it. Please plan on coming in to get the care you need. Our emergency room is open. Our urgent cares are open and most of our clinics are open throughout all of our islands,” Lagapa said.
The five-day strike will include workers in all counties, Kaiser said their Hawaii Kai, Kihei, Kahuku and Waimea clinics will be closed during the work stoppage, and all outpatient pharmacies, as well as some laboratory services, will be shuttered.