HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The union representing some 60 workers at the Ilikai Hotel staged a rally Thursday afternoon as they seek a new contract.
The Ilikai is one of the most iconic properties in Waikiki, but it also is no stranger to contract disputes. Workers staged a one-day strike last year and another strike in 2017 to get new agreements.
The rally was a sign that the workers are ready to walk off the job again after working without a contract for months.
“Well, it’s been a year, and before this it was six years, okay? So one year -- I don’t know what’s the problem,” said front desk worker Richelle Rodero-Miyasato, who’s been with the hotel for 23 years.
Unite HERE Local 5, which represents the workers, said they agreed to a months-long contract in March 2024, but that was in hopes that management would then agree the terms and conditions to follow the contracts of other Waikiki hotels that were negotiating with their employees.
After Hilton Hawaiian Village workers went on strike for 40 days late last year, they got what’s being called the Waikiki Standard contract, which included a $10 an hour raise over four years for some workers.
Staff at the Ala Moana Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay Resort and the Modern Honolulu got similar deals -- but not the Ilikai.
“What’s holding up is that corporate doesn’t want to respect like the way they respected Hilton and the Marriott and Hyatt, so we will not allow them to do that, and we will fight until those workers get what they deserve,” said Local 5 president Gemma Weinstein.
“We are small,” said Rodero-Miyasato. “We are the smallest, so I don’t see what’s the problem. I do not see it.”
The 60 workers at the Ilikai make up the smallest bargaining unit for the union, as the property is mostly private condo units.
Employees said that although they love their jobs, it’s not fair that their peers at other hotels and resorts are making more money for the same work.
“I love Ilikai Hotel. Ilikai is great. I love my front desk job. I love greeting the people. I love working with my co-workers,” Rodero-Miyasato said.
However, they’re ready to hit the picket line again at any time.
“A hundred percent of these workers authorized to go on strike already,” Weinstein said. “And they’re already telling us, ‘let’s go.’”
Ilikai management didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. No talks have been scheduled.
Source: hawaiinewsnow.com
