Latest agreement between UPW and Maui Health goes to vote : Maui Now

Maui Health and United Public Workers negotiating teams reached an agreement Tuesday, March 14, after lengthy discussions. Striking Maui Health workers will now review the agreement and vote on whether or not to ratify it. Voting will take place over three days, March 16th, 17th and 18th.

According to Maui Health, this is the fourth time during this contract renewal process that the negotiation teams have reached an agreement and submitted it for voting.

Nearly 500 workers, represented by the United Public Workers AFSCME, Local 646, AFL-CIO, have been on strike since February 22, 2023, seeking a new contract with better wages.

Striking workers include nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, housekeepers, cooks and other workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lānaʻi Community Hospital.

In Tuesday’s negotiations, Maui Health presented a proposal aimed at addressing concerns surrounding wages and longevity recognition. Maui Health representatives offered the following details:

• The three-year offer includes an average salary increase of 8.9% for all job groups in the first year and additional general salary increases in each of the remaining years, as well as increases for the evening and night shifts.
• The offer also includes a one-time cash bonus for all employees represented by UPW of US$1,500.
• In addition, the offer provides UPW-represented employees with one-time longevity payments of $1,000 for employees with 15 or more years of service and $500 for employees with 7-14 years of service.
• Other non-economic positions include rotating involuntary overtime, influenza prevention and working/management committee participation.

“We are optimistic that this agreement will be approved and look forward to all Maui Health employees returning to work,” said a Maui Health spokesperson.

The outcome of the union’s ratification vote is expected no later than Monday, March 20th.

“Maui Health’s staff and physicians continue to work tirelessly to ensure a safe and clean environment for our patients, visitors, employees and providers. We will continue to staff all affected areas as needed, in part by bringing in qualified employees wherever we can find them. We are truly grateful for the patience and support from our community,” said a spokesman for Maui Health.

This week’s vote comes after negotiations failed last week. At the time, union officials said picketing would continue until a fair deal was reached and expressed their determination to fight for a fair solution.