HONOLULU -- Negotiations between Hawaii's four public worker unions and the state have stalled, days before mandatory unpaid days off are scheduled to begin.

Union officials said the two sides haven't met since Tuesday's four-hour bargaining session, and no meetings have been scheduled.

University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Executive Director J.N. Musto said the four unions told the state that talks can't continue until Gov. Linda Lingle considers alternatives to cutting worker pay through furloughs.

He wants Lingle to explore increasing the state's general excise tax and using $180 million from the Hurricane Relief Fund and $45 million from the Rainy Day Fund.

State Human Resources Director Marie Laderta, who negotiates for the state, didn't return calls seeking comment.