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HONOLULU (AP) — Kaiser Permanente plans to temporarily shut down 10 small medical offices on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island next week if Unite Here Local 5 union members follow through with a planned strike in Hawaii.
The largest health care organization in the state said Tuesday that it will consolidate resources at larger offices to ensure adequate staffing and coverage. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii said it is rescheduling elective procedures and some appointments that aren't urgent.
Local 5 said last week that it would strike for six days beginning Monday. The union objects to the company's proposed wage increase and its proposal to eliminate guaranteed pensions for new employees.
Kaiser spokeswoman Laura Lott said the company regrets any inconvenience caused by the union's action, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported. Lott said the safety and care of patients and members remains the first priority.
"We are committed to taking all necessary steps to minimize disruption to our patients and members," Lott said in an email.
Nearly 1,900 Local 5 members work for Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii. They include licensed practical nurses and medical assistants as well as maintenance workers and housekeepers.
The workers have been without a contract for more than two years.
Kaiser's last offer earlier this month proposed 4 percent raises over three years. In comparison, about 18,000 California nurses won a 14 percent pay boost over three years in a deal with Kaiser announced by the workers' union on Monday after a two-day strike in November.
The planned Hawaii strike is not just about salaries and benefits, but also about quality care for community members, according to Gerald Penaflor, a laboratory technician assistant at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center. He earns $20.85 an hour.
Penaflor said striking is a last resort.
"A strike is not done to hurt the public," Penaflor said. "It's more to warn them that there's a serious issue here."
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