HONOLULU -- The state begins binding arbitration Wednesday with some of the United Public Workers.

UPW and the union representing the university professors still have not settled their contracts with the state. Wednesday's talks are with UPW's Unit 10.

The 3,000-member unit includes prison guards and youth correctional officers, also health care and emergency medical service workers.

A key sticking point in the negotiations is the state's effort to halt soaring overtime in state prisons and other 24 hour facilities like state hospitals and the youth correctional facility.

Furloughs are reported to be under consideration. State Prisons Director Clayton Frank told KITV he is unsure if prison correctional officers would be exempt.