Licensed practical nurses, medical assistants and housekeepers are among the employees at Kaiser Permanente who started a six-day strike Monday, Local 5 union spokeswoman Paola Rodelas told the Associated Press.

Hawaii’s largest health care organization said it would close 10 smaller clinics and consolidate operations at larger offices during the strike, rescheduling elective procedures and some appointments that aren’t urgent.

Local 5 represents 1,900 workers at Kaiser in Hawaii who have been without a contract for two years. Eighty-eight percent of members who cast ballots in a recent vote favored striking.

The union posted this statement on its website:

Before the strike, Kaiser workers volunteered to speak with the media and outreach to the community to let people know why we are striking: because Kaiser is failing workers, failing patients, and failing the community.

Urgent care clinic closures and mass layoffs overloaded our workers and hurt our patients. Kaiser is also trying to take away our guaranteed pensions. Our pensions are money spent here, taxes paid here, a better life here.

Kaiser posted this statement on its website:

We have received a strike notice from Local 5 and are disappointed by this negotiating tactic because it distracts focus and resources away from completing meaningful and productive talks. We believe an honest discussion at the bargaining table is the best way to resolve issues and differences.

We also question whether union leadership’s decision to ask employees to stop patient care during such a severe flu season is the best thing for the community.

On Oahu, the following clinics will be closed through Saturday, according to the Associated Press: Hawaii Kai, Kahuku, Kailua, Kapolei, Nanaikeola and Pearlridge. Some operations at the Mapunapuna clinic will be discontinued.

The Kihei clinic on Maui will close. On the Big Island, the Waimea and South Kona clinics will close.

Demonstrators carry signs near Kaiser Permanente’s Honolulu office Monday morning.

Cory Lum/Civil Beat