Unit officers and Union Chief Spokesperson Michael Yamaguchi going over the MOA and answering questions at ratification meeting. (l-r): Robert Uyeshiro, Neill Amasaki, Randall Tenn, Lawrence Young, and Michael Yamaguchi.
HONOLULU—Oahu Division Director Michael Yamaguchi who was the Union Chief Spokesperson announced that a new three year contract for 246 members of Servco Pacific is now in force. The settlement calls for an 8.5% pay boost, to be paid out in increments of 2% effective 2014 (paid retroactively), 2% effective 2015 and another 2.5% effective 2016.
The union made substantial gains in the work place. Among the gains was maintaining the current medical plan with no changes in the co-pay in the insurance premiums, the addition of group life insurance at no cost to the workers, increase in shift premiums, and language that provides notification and training for the introduction of any new or modified equipment which may change or alter any bargaining unit work. Gains specific to the parts and warehouse included a change in the monthly quota incentive and the manner in which the incentive is paid out.
Gains specific to the auto technicians included an increase in the replacement cost of tools and a decrease in production standards. The biggest battle occurred in determining which pay system shall be used to pay the auto technicians. The company wanted to replace the current hourly pay system with the flat-rate pay system (see “Flat-rate versus hourly rate pay system”). Through the strong unity of the negotiating committee and the membership, Servco Pacific remains the ONLY auto shop IN HAWAII where auto technicians are paid on the hourly system.
The ratification was held January 13, 2015 and the memorandum of agreement (MOA) was approved overwhelmingly.
Members of the negotiating committee are as follows: Unit Chairperson Lawrence Young, Unit Vice Chairperson Robert Uyeshiro, Unit Secretary Neill Amasaki, Unit Treasurer Randall Tenn, Susan Ho, Karl Karimoto, Nolan Miyahara, Robert Silva, Daven Tong, Business Agent Paris Fernandez, and Union Spokesperson/ Division Director Michael Yamaguchi.
In fond memory of Haruo “Dyna” Nakamoto
Retired ILWU Kauai Division Director and longtime ILWU leader Haruo “Dyna” Nakamoto passed away on December 8, 2014. He retired in 1983, after 43 years of active involvement in the labor movement.
Dyna, as he was known by everyone, is short for “Dynamite.” The name was bestowed upon him because of his energetic personality. Dyna was born on February 16, 1921 and raised in the plantation community of Hanamaulu on the island of Kauai. After completing his elementary education he attended technical school where he studied mechanics. In 1937, he began working for Lihue Plantation as an auto mechanic.
In Sanford Zalburg’s book, “A Spark Is Struck!,” Dyna is given credit for helping to organize the workers at Lihue Plantation. He served as Unit Steward, Secretary and Unit Chairman. In 1959, he was appointed to be a full-time organizer. Dyna was elected as a Business Agent in 1962. He served his membership in that position until 1977, when he was elected Kauai Division Director.
In all the years served as a full-time officer, Dyna took part in many different union activities. He was a great sportsman and took an active part in the ILWU sports program. He was instrumental in bringing softball teams from the mainland, the Philippines and Japan to play on Kauai. He also arranged to take softball teams from Kauai to Japan and the Philippines on goodwill tours. In September of 1969, Dyna was part of an overseas delegation that went to the Philippines. He also served on the Kauai Planning Commission. As a commissioner he was able to help formulate many housing programs that benefited the rank and file of the ILWU. Some of these programs were the Kilauea, Eleele, Grove Farm and Kekaha Housing projects.
After retiring from the ILWU, Dyna became an active member of the Lihue ILWU Pensioner Club.
He is survived by his wife Lily Y. Nakamoto; son Wade (Betty) Nakamoto; three daughters, Arleen (Denny) Sakai, Marilyn Nakamoto, Gail (Donald) Kuranishi; two brothers, Haruki Nakamoto and Wallace Nakamoto; two sisters, Kathryn (Shigeo) Higa and Elsie (Sam) Takata; 7 grandchildren, and 9 greatgrandchildren. Son Van Nakamoto passed away shortly after his father on January 1, 2015.
Shout-Out to Jeffrey Cho
Give a big SHOUT-OUT to the 2014 Pacific Beach Hotel “Employee of the Year” Jeffrey Cho. Brother Cho was selected for his outstanding service in the Banquet Department. He works as a banquet porter and has been employed at the hotel since 1989.
Brother Jeffrey was also honored as the “Heart-of-House Associate” of the Fourth Quarter 2014. This award carries a cash prize and a free front-row parking spot for the quarter.
Awardees are selected on the basis of being an associate that exemplifies the “Spirit of Aloha” through exceptional service and professionalism. General Manager Rob Robinson said—in regards to making employee appreciation a priority—“We’re firm believers in taking care of our associates because then they’ll take care of our guests. Both employee satisfaction and guest service scores have increased thanks to the quarterly events.”
“Jeffery is a wonderful role model, who has a great respect for his co-workers and guests,” said Oahu Division Business Agent Wilfred Chang, Jr. “He is a humble person, and the quality of his work combined with his positive attitude and outstanding work ethic is truly a reflection of his commitment and dedication to the hotel.”
“I didn’t win because I am the greatest or anything,” said Cho. “It’s thanks to all of the individuals that work with me; in my opinion, they got the award.”
“I didn’t win because I am the greatest or anything,” said Cho. “It’s thanks to all of the individuals that work with me; in my opinion, they got the award.”
“I didn’t win because I am the greatest or anything,” said Cho. “It’s thanks to all of the individuals that work with me; in my opinion, they got the award.”