HONOLULU -- The union that represents Hawaiian Electric Co. workers announced Friday that workers would go on strike at 3:30 p.m.

Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260 rejected a contract offer by HECO. Contracts between the IBEW represent 1,200 employees at HECO, Maui Electric Co. and Hawaii Electric Light Co.

The business manager Lance Miyake for the IBEW issued a statement: "As of 3:30 pm today, March 4, 2011, IBEW Local Union 1260 will be on strike against Hawaiian Electric Company, Maui Electric Company and Hawaii Electric Light Company."

"We are disappointed that the union has chosen to take this action, especially since there are still thousands of customers without power following the severe weather that hit overnight. A strike clearly hurts everyone. We have been working to arrive at an agreement that balances the interests of our employees and our customers, and are willing to continue to negotiate," HECO spokesman Darren Pai said.

A flood of HECO workers left the downtown facility in their vehicles shortly after 3:30 p.m. Honolulu police officers were directing traffic for the high volume of vehicles leaving onto King Street.

Shortly after that, a number of workers began picketing the sidewalk on King Street.

Pai said some non-union employees have been trained to operate electrical systems.

"I have spoken with leaders of Hawaiian Electric Company and the union. My thought is that they can set aside their respective positions during this emergency situation until the public’s safety is taken care of," Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. "The most important thing right now is restoring electric services for residents and ensuring their health and security then resume negotiations."

The move comes as dozens of HECO workers are scrambling to fix power outages around Oahu and fallen power lines in Ewa. About 8,000 customers remain without power, a HECO representative said.

Leeward Oahu lawmakers voiced outrage over the walkout.

"It is unacceptable for union members to put their pay before the safety of my community. Many people in Ewa Beach are already out of work and for them to walk off in a state of crisis is egregious," Rep. Kymberly Pine said.

The union has said it opposes management's proposal to require employees to work two more years to get full retirement benefits, pushing back their retirement age to 62 from 60.

Maui County officials said they are asking for crews to prepare generators in the event of a power failure.

“We hope that both sides can resolve their differences quickly,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “In the meantime, the County will take all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our citizens.”