Posted on: Wednesday, August 15, 2001

Kapiolani Health union may call strike

By Jean Chow
Advertiser Staff Writer

After contract negotiations stalled between Kapiolani Health and about 170 union members from the Hawaii Local Teamsters and Local Allied Workers Local 996, the union is warning that a strike notice may come soon.

Union president Mel Kahele sent a letter yesterday to union members stating that the company has refused to entertain any of the union's proposals for a new contract.

Kahele's letter said Kapiolani's proposed plan would reduce workers' sick leave and vacation benefits. For example, the old contract's 12 days of sick time would be decreased to five.

Also, under the union's current contract, workers receive pay for all vacation hours they have earned in the event of termination, but under a plan recommended by the company, workers would not receive any pay for vacation time accrued if the employee is terminated, according to Kahele's letter. The letter informs members that a strike notice may be issued shortly.

Union leaders sent a letter of "demand" for a return to the bargaining table Monday.

Charles Heib, director of employee relations at Kapiolani, said he received the request and hopes an agreement will be reached soon. He had no other comment.

No date has been set for a meeting. The union's contract expired at the end of June and was extended through the end of July. Union members have been working without a contract since Aug. 1.