Wilcox Medical Center nurses “overwhelmingly” voted in favor of a strike over unfair labor practices.
More than 76% of 159 nurses voted in favor of authorizing the strike. The voting period began on Dec. 29 and concluded Thursday at 8 p.m.
According to HNA, the small hospital in Lihue has “a big rift between its nursing staff and management” and many nurses voted to “show their disdain for the rampant unfair labor practices.”
They also claim that nurses faced harassment, discrimination and retaliation by management for taking part in contract negotiations.
In response to the strike authorization, Wilcox Medical Center issued a statement saying, “We are disappointed in the Hawaii Nurses’ Association’s decision. We are focused on the negotiations set for Jan. 9 and 10, and remain committed to reaching an agreement for our nurses, our medical center and our community.”
Wilcox nurses held an informational picket in October but contract talks have been unsuccessful.
