Strong demand allows hotels to fill more room and raise rates

The U.S. hotel industry posted increases in all three key performance measurements during July 2010, according to data from STR Global. STR provides data and analysis relating to the hospitality industry.

In year-over-year measurements, the industry’s occupancy was up 7.0 percent to 67.9 percent. Average daily rate ended the month with a 1.3-percent increase to $99.14. Revenue per available room for the month rose 8.5 percent to finish at $67.35.

WAILUKU—Paul Tom, the ILWU’s consultant on medical plans, told the Tourism Caucus that the medical benefits provided by the ILWU-Hotel Industry Health and Welfare Fund are as good as or better than any other plan in the private market. There were some issues with servicing but those problems are being corrected when they are brought to our attention. Paul urged members to call the plan administrators, HMA, or the union office about any problems.

ILWU endorsed candidate Brian Schatz with Lanai ILWU members at Maui’s Labor Day celebration on September 6, 2010. Labor Day is meant to be a holiday for workers and a public display of the unity, strength, and spirit of the labor movement.

Pension benefits of more than 44 million American workers and retirees are protected and guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). This is a federal corporation created by the Employee retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and covers more than 29,000 private single-employer and multi-employer defined benefit pension plans.

Point at Poipu, Ritz Carlton Club and November 2.

On September 18, 2010, Hawaii will hold its Primary Election with Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie both on the Democratic ballot for Governor. The State will begin mailing absentee ballots to voters after August 13. The ILWU urges all members, their families, and retirees to support and vote for Mufi Hannemann in this Primary Election.

Support candidates recommended by your union

The Primary Election is this September 18, 2010. Absentee ballots will go out in mid-August. ILWU members and their families are urged to take a Democratic Ballot and vote for those candidates listed below. Cut out these lists and keep them in your wallet as a reminder when you vote. Your Political Action Committee made these recommendations after interviewing candidates, asking them if they support issues important to working families, and looking at their past performance and relationship with the ILWU.

Our new representative in Congress thinks it’s a good idea to repeal the Jones Act. He thinks it would cut costs and save a little money. The Jones Act (officially the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) requires all shipping between U.S. ports to be done by U.S. companies, with U.S. crews, and with U.S. built and flagged vessels. Similar laws apply to airlines and cruise ships. These laws do not allow foreign companies to carry cargo or passengers between U.S. ports.

The 25th biennial conference of the ILWU State Pensioners Association was held May 15-17 in Honolulu at the ILWU union hall. The conference rotates among the islands every two years. The last time it was held in Honolulu eight years ago, the ILWU building was under renovation.

HONOLULU—On February 26, 2010, Oahu Division suspended the important work of its Division Executive Board meeting take the time to thank and recognize the outstanding rank-and-file leaders who served as the “front line” at ILWU units throughout Oahu in 2009.