For years, contract negotiations at Local 142’s tourism units followed a familiar pattern: management set the pace, and workers fought for whatever small improvements they could get. Beginning in 2022 and solidifying in 2024, ILWU Local 142 members have changed course. Across multiple bargaining tables, workers leveraged their unity, strategy, and sheer determination to win historic gains—reshaping expectations for what’s possible in contract fights.

Wailea Breaks Maui Mediocrity

On the Big Island, the King Kamehameha Hotel was the first to win a record breaking contract through a mobilized membership in 2022. But in Maui, the groundwork for a wave of victories was laid at the Grand Wailea, where after eight grueling months of negotiations, workers secured a contract that shattered the status quo. 

For years, wage increases had been modest, barely keeping pace with inflation. But this time, members fought for—and won—a deal that represents a seismic shift in compensation. Tipped employees, often left behind in past agreements, saw significant gains, including double pay for vacation time and other forms of leave. Overtime protections were strengthened, ensuring that workers are fairly compensated for their time and labor.

The victory at the Grand Wailea didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of a sustained, member-driven campaign that started with small but powerful actions. Workers signed petitions, wore union buttons, and held rallies to show their unity. As negotiations dragged on, members escalated their efforts, organizing pickets and demonstrating their readiness to strike. This show of solidarity sent a clear message to management: workers were united, determined, and unwilling to back down.

Andaz Builds on Momentum

The momentum from the Grand Wailea spread quickly. Just down the road in Wailea, workers at the Andaz Maui took up the fight. Knowing that settling for less would put them at a disadvantage in a competitive labor market, they pushed for a contract that mirrored the gains at the Grand Wailea—and won. Tipped employees at the Andaz saw even greater improvements, setting a new standard for fairness in the industry. 

Small Kauaʻi Unit Wins Big

On Kauaʻi, workers at Gay & Robinson also made history. After years of incremental raises that failed to keep up with the rising cost of living, they secured a contract that represents a dramatic departure from the past. The gains they achieved will have a lasting impact, providing workers with the stability and dignity they need to thrive in one of the most expensive states in the nation.

“That’s What I Like” for Pepsi Workers. 

Continuing the momentum in General Trades, Pepsi workers just completed four weeks of negotiations, securing a new contract with the largest wage increases in the Unit’s history. Pepsi covers drivers, warehouse workers, merchandisers, and clerks. The negotiating committee pushed the company hard to move past small incremental wage increases of the past and everyone saw significant gains.

The Role of Member Mobilization

These victories didn’t happen by accident. They are the result of a deliberate shift within Local 142 to return to member-driven contract campaigns. At the Grand Wailea, it was the mobilization of rank-and-file members that tipped the scales. Workers showed up, spoke out, and made it clear that they were ready to fight for a better future. That energy set the tone for the Andaz and Gay & Robinson negotiations, proving that when members are actively involved, the union is unstoppable.

Strong negotiation strategies and support from the local union also played a critical role. By sharing best practices and leveraging the power of solidarity, workers were able to secure deals that reflect their value and contributions. These wins are a reminder that negotiations aren’t just about numbers—they’re about power. And power comes from unity.

This moment is part of a broader wave of labor actions sweeping across Hawaiʻi and the nation. From the Kapiʻolani nurses to the Local 5 Hilton Hawaiian Village strike, workers in every industry are standing up and saying, “Enough is enough.” Employers are on notice: workers are fed up with stagnant wages, eroding benefits, and disrespect on the job. They’re ready to fight—and, if necessary, walk—to secure the dignity and fairness they deserve.

Workers have leverage as the labor market remains tight, especially in industries such as tourism. ILWU members are also coming to the bargaining table prepared to highlight the sacrifices made during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with research on corporate profits.

Big Negotiations Ahead Keep Stakes High

The fight is far from over. Across the islands, workers at the Outrigger Kona, Hilton Waikoloa, Ritz Carlton Kapalua, and Straub are gearing up for their own contract battles. And the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Hawaiʻi’s cost of living continues to soar, with housing, groceries, and utilities eating up a larger share of workers’ paychecks. For too many families, the dream of staying in Hawaiʻi is slipping away. According to recent data, thousands of residents are leaving the state each year, driven out by the high cost of living and stagnant wages.

This is why these contract fights matter. They’re not just about securing better pay—they’re about ensuring that working people can afford to live and thrive in the place they call home. Every wage increase, every improvement in benefits, every strengthened protection is a step toward a future where Hawaiʻi’s workers aren’t just surviving, but thriving. 

Unity or Defeat: The Choice Ahead

For members, the message is clear: your involvement matters. Contract campaigns aren’t something that happen to you or for you, they’re something you make happen. When you show up to meetings, when you talk to your coworkers, when you stand together on the picket line, you are building the power to win. The victories at the Grand Wailea, Andaz, Gay & Robinson, and Pepsi are proof of what’s possible when members take ownership of their union and fight for what they deserve.

Looking ahead, there will be a direct correlation between worker unity and the outcomes of these fights. Divided units will not achieve the strong contracts that united units will. Solidarity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of every win. When workers stand together, they are unstoppable. When they are divided, employers will exploit that weakness. The choice is clear: unity or defeat.

Building Power for the Fights to Come

This is a moment of transformation for Local 142. The old playbook—the one that relied on modest gains and incremental change—has been tossed aside. In its place is a new approach, one that’s rooted in member mobilization, bold demands, and unwavering solidarity. It’s an approach that’s delivering historic wins and setting a new standard for what workers can achieve.

As we look ahead to the battles to come, let’s carry this momentum forward. Let’s show up, stand together, and fight for the future we deserve. Because when we fight, we win. And when we win, we change lives—not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.This is our season. Let’s make it count.