KAHULUI, Hawaii – Nearly 500 front-line health care workers at Kaiser’s Maui Health System have voted to ratify a new three-year contract, ending a nearly two-month strike. Members of the United Public Workers (AFSCME Local 646) voted 87% in favor of the new agreement, the union announced Friday.
“The new contract represents months of hard work and determination and is reflective of the sacrifices our members have made during the strike,” said UPW State Director Kalani Werner. “Our members labored through the pandemic and have had to continue to endure staffing shortages, so while this is a step in the right direction, there is still work to be done. We will do everything we can to ensure future contracts provide adequate pay increases, fair working conditions, and demonstrate the importance of our members.”
The new contract includes pay scale adjustments for all job classifications, at least a 10.5% wage increase for all members, and a lump sum payment for all members, among other benefits.
“Our members are extremely grateful for the community’s support throughout this entire process,” added Werner. “They are ready to get back to work delivering the high-quality care and service the community deserves.”
Nurses’ aides, respiratory therapists, licensed practical nurses, housekeepers, cooks and other workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital went on strike on Feb. 22.