Nurses' walkout drags on at Wilcox
The hospital rejects the union's latest counterproposal
LIHUE » Despite what was supposed to be a "last, best and final" offer, the Kauai nurses strike continues as it nears the 100-day mark.
After the striking nurses rejected Wilcox Hospital administration's last offer Tuesday, the hospital administration and its parent group, Hawaii Pacific Health, rejected the union's counteroffer yesterday.
Hospital spokeswoman Lani Yukimura called the Tuesday vote "extremely close" and asked that any union member who voted to end the strike should cross the picket line.
"We want them back," Yukimura added.
Union officials did not return calls seeking comment.
Despite the latest setback, Yukimura said the administration is not giving up hope that a settlement can be reached.
Union officials said last week that the hospital administration had threatened to declare an impasse if the latest offer was not accepted.
But Yukimura said yesterday that the hospital and Hawaii Pacific Health "will continue to meet at the federal mediator's direction when she feels it is appropriate to meet again."
No meetings are currently scheduled.
The 130 nurses remain on the picket line over what they say are unsafe staffing levels.