Hundreds of Rhode Island Hospital workers have voted to authorize a strike.

Teamsters Local 251 says 95 percent of its members voted Wednesday night to authorize a union negotiating committee to issue a 10-day strike notice. The vote was 628 to 35.

The union says it's seeking more job security and fair wage increases and benefits.

In a statement, the hospital says it's disappointed to learn the union has moved forward with a vote to authorize a strike. The hospital says it believes it has put a number of fair offers on the table.

The union has been working without a contract. Negotiations will continue on Thursday.

If the two sides cannot reach an agreement, workers would have to vote on whether they should move ahead with a strike.