Hundreds of unionized health care workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center walked off the job Monday morning, the first day of a planned, three-day strike. The United Nurses and Health Care Employees of Hawaii, representing more than 900 workers at Maui Health, said talks with their employer broke down Friday evening over safe staffing ratios. Maui Health, meanwhile, assured patients that its hospitals, emergency departments and clinics remain open to serve patients and will remain open for the duration of the strike. “We have comprehensive plans in place to ensure the best care for our patients, residents, and the communities we serve on Maui and Lanai,” said Maui Health in a statement posted online, “including a temporary workforce of experienced nurses and health care professionals who will work with the rest of our health care team, for as long as needed. “Over several days and many hours, we sat and we hashed out safe staffing ratios,” said Robinson, a registered nurse.

Source: The Star November 06, 2024 04:08 UTC