HONOLULU (KHON2) — Almost 2,000 Kaiser Permanente workers are on strike across Hawaiʻi, joining more than 45,000 other Kaiser Permanente workers in California, Oregon and Washington in their demonstrations.
Beginning at 6:30 a.m., workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 5 are on strike until Oct. 19 at 7 a.m.
The employees, who range in positions from medical assistants, lab assistants, housekeepers and other positions, will walk off their jobs at the 20 Kaiser locations in the islands.
Local contract negotiations have been in talks since April, with Local 5 asking for wage increases, safe staffing ratios and more.
For employees like Mary Taboniar, a local hospital aide, the union’s negotiations have not been met with sympathy.
“I am on strike because we have been at the bargaining table for months, but it feels like Kaiser is not taking our concerns about short staffing seriously,” Taboniar said. “Management does not understand how stressful it is to be on the floor taking care of multiple patients while you are short-staffed. I want to deliver the best quality of care possible, but it feels like I am not able to when we are understaffed and overworked.”
According to Local 5, Hawaiʻi-based Kaiser employees are paid up to 30% less than their mainland counterparts in the same roles.
Worker contracts expired by the beginning of October.
In a statement, Kaiser Permanente said they are actively working with unions to reach agreements for the striking employees.
Despite the union’s claim, Kaiser is offering “above-market wages,” the healthcare giant said while denouncing the strike.
“A strike is unnecessary when a generous offer is on the table,” Kaiser said. “It is designed to disrupt the lives of our patients — the very people we are all here to serve.”
Despite this, Kaiser’s Vice President of Ambulatory Care and Clinical Services in Hawaiʻi Dionicia Lagapa urged patients to still show up for previously scheduled appointments and services.
“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.
Some services will be affected as Kaiser said their Hawaiʻi Kai, Kihei, Kahuku and Waimea clinics will be closed during the strike, as well as all outpatient pharmacies and some laboratory services.