HONOLULU -- As of this week, faculty at the University of Hawaii has the legal right to strike.

Talks between the state and the faculty union broke off Wednesday with no new meetings scheduled.

The union is asking for across the board raises of 6 percent the first year and 8 percent the second year. It also wants an additional 4 percent base-salary hike for full professors and a 12 percent fee increase for lecturers.

The state offered a 2 percent raise on July 1.

The union has not yet asked for strike authorization, which would require a 10-day written notice to the school. However, the union can set up informational pickets on campus.

Students return from the Christmas break on Monday.