...sticking together for the benefit of all in challenging times
“It was the labor of tourism workers that helped strengthen the economy year after year all the way to 2019,” said Local 142 President Donna Domingo, referring to the way tourism has been Hawaii’s main economic engine for so long. “It is only fair we step up to help them now in their time of need.”
When the pandemic severely restricted travel starting from March of last year, no industry took a direct hit harder than Hawaii’s tourism industry. According to statistics released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority in January, visitor arrivals are down 74% from last year
The COVID vaccine offers some promise, but not enough for any rapid relief to our economy. Tourism may remain at a relative standstill, but the Union --Local 142 and members like you -- have been busier than ever to ensure no one has to face these new challenges alone. Here are two units -- Unit 1517 Hilton Waikoloa Village and Unit 3511 Grand Hyatt Kauai that worked hard during the holiday period of 2020 to make sure the year ahead is a better one.
Unit 1517 Hilton Waikoloa Village
photos courtesy of Business Agent Tristie Licoan; mahalo Tristie!
Democracy in action...The negotiating committee at Hilton Waikoloa Village reached a tentative agreement with the company on December 29, 2020. ILWU policy requires membership approval of any settlement reached by their negotiating committee. Members were given the opportunity to vote on the new agreement (i.e. ratify) over the course of three days, January 6-8, 2021. Members vote by secret ballot on their tentative agreement after an explanation by their negotiating committee and full discussion of the terms of the contract (rightside picture). To make this convenient as many members as possible, a drive-thru ratification was held (Irene Matsubara pictured at left) at the hotel, in addition to voting at the Hilo ILWU Hall who live on the Hilo side.
Strength in numbers...As one of the last voters came through the drive thru ratification, a sign saying “300” was made to celebrate the amount of people who showed up to vote on their contract. This high number was very gratifying for the Union and negotiating committee to experience, especially because reaching this agreement in tough economic times was no easy task. The negotiating committee and company met over the course of eleven times from September 2020 through December 2020. Inside the car is member Rogelio Cayabyab with negotiating committee observer Orrin Honda and Business Agent Michael Dela Cruz in the back, and steward Irene Matsubara holding the ballot box with Marilyn Aquino from the Housekeeping Department.
Saying yes to union, saying yes to fair representation...the union negotiating committee includes members from different departments and job classifications, so they can work together for a contract that is best for the entire workforce at the company, not just select segments. The Hilton Waikoloa unit negotiating committee consisted of: Unit Chair Dallas Holeso-Kuhaiki from the culinary department, Unit Vice Chair Lloyd Matsubara of property operations, Unit Secretary-Treasurer Jamilyn Lu’uloa of food and beverage, Mark Liebl - banquet bartender, Kaniala Salis - banquet server, Marilyn Aquino - housekeeping, Orinn Honda - luggage attendant, Ammy Case - counter attendant. The photo above shows Hawaii Division and some of the negotiating committee after a day of successfully ratifying the contract; the majority of people who voted approved of this new agreement. Back row left to right: Business Agent Jennifer Yadao, Organizer Ron Clough, committee members Marilyn Aquino, Ammy Case, Unit Vice Chair Lloyd Matsubara, committee member Orinn Honda, Business Agent Michael Dela Cruz. Front row left to right: steward Irene Matsubara (from culinary department) and Hawaii Division Director Elmer Gorospe.