Hospice of Hilo nurses vote to join nurses union

The nine registered nurses employed by the Big Island’s nonprofit Hospice of Hilo have joined the Hawaii Nurses’ Association. According to HNA officials, the National Labor Relations Board certified the election on May 12. The union did not say when it would start contract negotiations.

Established in 1983, the hospice provides end-of-life or palliative care, bereavement services, counseling and advance directives planning to patients and families in north and south Hilo, Puna and Kau on the Big Island’s east side.

“We are proud to represent all of the Hospice of Hilo RNs,” Irene Puuohau, a labor relations specialist for the union, said in a prepared statement. “Now that they are officially part of HNA, we will put our efforts towards securing a fair agreement of wages, benefits and working conditions.”

Hawaii Nurses’ Association represents approximately 4,000 registered nurses statewide. Founded in 1917, it is affiliated with The Office and Professional Employees International Union, AFL-CIO CLC.