Brothers and Sisters,
The following was sent to the media. It’s being provided to you for your information. Please feel free to forward this to friends or neighbors who may be asking for an update on the Strike at Maui Health System.
KAHULUI, MAUI (February 24, 2023) – UPW workers at Kaiser’s Maui Health System continue to strike for fair pay, better working conditions and other terms. Nearly 500 nurses aides, respiratory therapists, housekeepers, cooks and other workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital walked out and began organized picketing at all three locations on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.
UPW has notified Kaiser through a Federal Mediator that they are available to meet and continue negotiations at any time. Its negotiating and executive teams are on island and available to meet.
Said United Public Workers AFSCME, Local 646, AFL-CIO State Director Kalani Werner, “A strike is not an easy decision, but our members are committed to making their voices heard and demanding fair treatment for all workers. We would like to return to the bargaining table as soon as possible for the benefit of the entire community. 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. There will be disruptions, and we kindly ask the public to respect the picket line and to contact the hospital with any complaints.”
There has been strong community support for the striking workers. Fellow unions AFSCME, UNAC, AFL-CIO and HGEA and Peter Iriarte with Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 630 have joined their brothers and sisters on the picket line. Former Maui Mayor James Apana also donated meals and coordinated the donation of portable restrooms.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the love and support of the Maui community,” added Werner. “We plan to continue standing strong and holding the line until our members reach and accept a new tentative agreement.”
