ILWU-endorsed candidates did very well in Hawaii’s General Election on November 4, 2014, winning a strong majority of all races run statewide—including the closely watched gubernatorial and congressional contests.
“I think the ILWU’s Political Action (PAC) program was effective in mobilizing our members and delivering votes to endorsed candidates,” said Oahu Division PAC Coordinator and Business Agent Wilfred Chang.
Out of 52 ILWU-endorsed candidates in statewide races and in the state legislature, 46 won their elections. In county races, 16 out of 22 ILWU-endorsed candidates were elected.
A Republican upset?
The Hawaii Republican Party had high hopes this year, and the mood of the state seemed to be shifting its way. In the governor’s race, public opinion polls showed Republican Duke Aiona and Democrat David Ige in a dead heat right after the August 9, 2014 Hawaii primary election. In the 1st Congressional District race, early polls showed Republican Charles Djou ahead of Mark Takai. Both Hawaii’s gubernatorial and 1st.
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New contract in place at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa
KAANAPALI—Over 500 ILWU members at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa are now covered by a new five-year contract.
Chief Union Spokesperson Donna Domingo says the settlement calls for a 11% wage increase over the duration of the agreement, to be paid out in increments of 1.5% effective July 1, 2015, 1.25% effective July 1, 2016, 1.25% effective January 1, 2017, 1.25% effective July 1, 2017, 1.25% effective January 1, 2018, 1.25% effective July 1, 2018, 1.25% effective January 1, 2019 and 2.0% effective June 30, 2019.
The union made substantial improvements in work conditions. There were gains in virtually every department with the biggest gain happening in the housekeeping department. Daily room quotas were reduced by applying room credits for check-out rooms, multiple floors and multiple towers.
Other improvements include a substantial increase in the contributions to the pension plan, increases in premiums and special rates in several departments which include Bell/Valet, Maintenance, Housekeeping, and Food and Beverage, increase in the amount of Group Life Insurance coverage, and increases in separation allowance. This is a benefit that most non-union workplaces don’t have.
most non-union workplaces don’t have. Our members will be enjoying medical and dental coverage through the ILWU Local 142 Health and Welfare Trust. The company will pay the monthly premiums with no member co-payment.
Additional gains included stronger language to several sections in the contract which addresses meals & meal periods, reimbursement for a required trade license, a vacation donation program, and observing Independence Day on the calendar day.
The ratification was held August 14–15, 2014 and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was approved overwhelmingly.
Unit Secretary Alex Ajolo said, “The negotiations went really well and very smooth.” Division Representative Steven Lee added, “It took eight days over a three-month period to come to a tentative agreement.”
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is located next to Whalers Village with direct access to Kaanapali Beach. All 759 rooms come with private balconies allowing spectacular views of the mountain, the islands of Lanai and Molokai, and the Pacific Ocean. The centerpiece of the resort is its 87,000 square-foot water complex with five interconnected pools, spa tubs, waterfalls, and a 128-foot water slide.
Rank-and-file members of the negotiating committee were: Chair Michael Bunyard (BOT Bartender), 1st Vice Chair Lolohea Kava (Front Desk), Treasurer Lourdes Rivera (Culinary), Secretary Alex Ajolo (Food & Beverage), Editor Seini Dennis (Front Desk), Adeline Castillo (Housekeeping), Michael Clarkson (Banquet), and Chris Larson (Bell). Full-time officers on the negotiating committee were Local President and committee spokesperson Donna Domingo and Maui Division Representative Steven Lee.
