Posted on: Monday, December 23, 2002

Lingle tells nurses she won't force a settlement

Associated Press

Some striking nurses were among those who showed up at Washington Place yesterday for the governor's annual Christmas open house.

But it wasn't the decorated cookies or live Island music that drew the nurses.

They wanted to speak with Gov. Linda Lingle about the job action that began in early December over contract disputes at The Queen's, St. Francis and Kuakini medical centers. About 1,400 nurses have been on strike for three weeks.

"A couple of them talked to me about intervening in some way," Lingle said. "And I spoke with them about my desire never to force either side into an agreement, but to follow (the negotiations) very closely, and I think they understand the reluctance to use the governor's office to force something.

"I wish them well. They were very understanding."

Lingle has said she doesn't want to enter the labor dispute because it doesn't threaten public health and safety.

One of the striking nurses who spoke with Lingle was Liz Clavin.

"I'd like what a lot of people here would like to see — an end to the nursing strike," Clavin said.

The open house included a visit by Santa Claus, who arrived in a horse-drawn carriage and posed for pictures with children.