The ILWU is sponsoring a “Free Store” for Pacific Beach Hotel workers who have lost their jobs, been downgraded in status, lost hours of work, or been paid less for doing the same job since HTH Corporation has resumed management of the hotel.

“The workers have suffered because of HTH Corp.’s lack of respect for federal labor law. And while multiple charges have been filed against HTH for their illegal activities, the legal process can be slow—and workers are hurting now. The Pacific Beach Workers Free Store will provide much needed relief for workers and their families right away,” said ILWU Oahu Division Director Dave Mori.

Many community supporters, including State Senators Will Espero and Ron Menor, State Representatives Della Au Belatti, Sylvia Luke, Michael Magaoay, Alex Sonson, Karl Rhoads, and former State Senator Randy Iwase participated in a rally to kick-off store donations. The rally was held on December 20 in front of the hotel.

The Pacific Beach Workers Free Store opened its doors on Friday, December 21, 2007 at the ILWU Hall at 451 Atkinson Drive in Honolulu. Over a dozen workers and their families have already stopped by to pick up some basic necessities to tide them over the Christmas holiday. ◆

Fired worker Danilo Cortez held a “kettle of justice” and accepted donations to the Pacific Beach Workers Free Store on behalf of his fellow employees.

Hawaii State Senator Ron Menor (Mililani, Waipio) donates to the Pacific Beach Workers Free Store at a rally held on December 20, 2007 to kick-off store contributions.

Oahu Labor Liaison Ronald Tanaka (right) and Community Sevices Liaison Lynn Ching (not pictured) of the Hawaii State AFLCIO’s Labor’s Community Services program deliver a truckload of rice, cereal, diapers and toilet paper for Pacific Beach Hotel workers.

The Iron Workers Union Local 803 and its Financial Sec.-Treas. Eugene Paris have been strong supporters of the Pacific Beach struggle from the very beginning. (L-r) Joseph O’Donnell and Bronson Paris deliver boxes of SPAM, corned beef, and other canned goods to the ILWU.