Unions representing health care workers this morning delivered notice to Kaiser Permanente of a 5-day strike to begin Oct. 14.

Unite Here Local 5 and Hawaii Nurses and Healthcare Professionals delivered the strike notice at 8 a.m. today, as required by law, 10 days in advance, the unions said in a news release.

Together, the unions represent more than 3,000 Kaiser workers who work as hospital aides, medical and lab assistants, pharmacy techs, dietary specialists and in housekeeping across the state.

The unions said local negotiations had been ongoing since April, but have stalled over key priorities, such as safe staffing levels and wage increases that keep up with the cost of living here. Local 5 said Kaiser workers in Hawaii are paid up to 30% less than their counterparts on the U.S.

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