Union says Queen’s
violating new contract

Charges hospital planning layoffs

By Peter Wagner
Star-Bulletin

Three months after bitter contract negotiations nearly resulted in a strike, dark clouds are rolling in once again over Queen's Medical Center.

According to the Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers union, the hospital is violating the new contract while planning layoffs.

"We will be filing a grievance and take whatever necessary steps if this layoff does occur," Ron Kozuma, the union's secretary treasurer, said today. "We are trying to work things out."

The union would not disclose the number of layoffs under discussion. The union represents about 650 housekeepers, maintenance workers, food handlers, telecommunications workers, psychiatric assistants and laundry workers.

According to Kozuma, the hospital has been violating its new contract by hiring nonunion "call-ins" to replace part-time union workers.

"We are going to enforce the seniority rights of our bargaining-unit members," Kozuma said. "Right now, Queen's is eroding our bargaining unit."

A hospital spokesperson could not be reached for comment this morning.

Kozuma said if matters can't be worked out the union will file an unfair labor practices grievance with the National Labor Relations Board.

The union in December threatened to strike after negotiations broke down over a new three-year contract. Queen's, seeking temporary replacements, drew 1,200 applicants for the jobs.