Thousands of Hawai‘i Kaiser Permanente workers authorize strike across four islands

HONOLULU,HI–Over 2,000 Kaiser Permanente workers in Hawai‘i represented by UNITE HERE Local 5 (Local 5) and Hawaii Nurses and Healthcare Professionals (HNHP) have voted to authorize a strike. Local 5 members voted 97% “Yes” to authorizing a strike and HNHP members from three bargaining units voted 89% giving union leadership the ability to call a strike if necessary after contracts expire on September 30. Key priorities for workers include safe staffing that protects workers’ wellbeing and quality patient care and fair wage increases. In Hawai‘i workers in some classifications are paid up to 30% less than their counterparts on the continent and do not receive the same benefits.