LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Wilcox Hospital nurses yesterday rejected a contract offer made by management Monday, saying it was worse from their perspective than the one the hospital made before the 25-day-old strike started.

"Not a single nurse voted to accept this offer," said nurse D.Q. Jackson, spokesman for the Hawai'i Nurses Association unit that has been picketing the hospital since June 24.

A key difference between the previous offer and Monday's proposal, Jackson said, was "the elimination of all nurse participation in patient care staffing."

Both the hospital and the union have agreed that this is the single biggest issue in the contract stalemate. Nurses are demanding a staffing system that is readily understandable and adds staff when patient care needs to increase.

He said the offer also called for a reduction in work hours and cuts in benefits for long-time employees of the hospital.

"The proposal was a bogus proposal, not a settlement offer," Jackson said.

In a statement released by spokeswoman Lani Yukimura, the hospital, which is operated by Honolulu-based Hawai'i Pacific Health, said the proposal was "an effort to start up discussions toward reaching a contract agreement. Another mediation session is scheduled for next week and we look forward to a productive and meaningful discussion that will bring us closer to ending the strike."

The hospital also announced two changes it has instituted during the strike. Nurses who have not taken nationally recognized competency tests will be required to do so before returning to work. And the hospital will phase out 12 licensed practical nurse positions. It will assist these nurses with a stipend to train to become registered nurses, or will allow qualifying nurses to take early retirement or take other positions in the hospital.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.