Hawaii hotel workers authorize strike by 94% vote

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Strike clearance has been voted on and approved by a whopping 94% for Waikiki hotel workers.

Workers say that after months of negotiations, they are tired of being ignored by the offshore
hotel owners and mainland operators.

Workers are asking for raises that keep up with inflation and Hawaii’s high cost of living, and safe workloads.

The strike vote covers nearly 5,000 workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 5, and now provides the Union’s negotiating committee the authority to call a strike at any time at any of the seven properties included in the vote:

• Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
• Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
• Moana Surfrider – a Westin Resort Spa
• The Royal Hawaiian
• A Luxury Collection Resort
• Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
• Sheraton Waikiki
• Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

“I am ready to strike for wages that allow me to me to take care of my family and proper staffing that allows me to take care of guests,” said Rachel Santos, hostess at the Moana Surfrider – a Westin Resort Spa. “I love my job, and I love my family, so I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them both.”