2 Matson unions raise specter of a strike

Matson Inc. sailors and firemen are threatening to strike if they are unable to reach a contract agreement with the company.

A strike would shut down serv­ice between the mainland and Hawaii and could deal a severe blow to the state’s economy if it lasts. Matson handles roughly two-thirds of all goods shipped to the state, where residents depend on ocean transportation for approximately 80 percent of all locally consumed goods.

“Matson ships wouldn’t sail,” said Gunnar Lundeberg, president of the Sailors Union of the Pacific, adding that the union’s next meeting with Matson is Wednesday. “We’re still in bargaining, but the attitude of the company is not good.”

The Sailors Union of the Pacific, which represents the navigators of the ships, and the Marine Firemen’s Union, which represents members who work in the engine room, have 4,000 members combined. Lundeberg said the unions are asking for increases in wages, money to fund pensions and job security. The unions’ contract expires at 9 p.m. Friday.

The cargo shipping company has served Hawaii since 1882. Currently, Honolulu Harbor welcomes eight Matson containerships from the West Coast every 14 days. Matson also serves Alaska, Guam, Micronesia and the South Pacific from distribution centers on the mainland.

Keoni Wagner, spokesman for Matson, declined to comment on the potential strike or the progress of negotiations.

“Labor contract negotiations are in progress, and, as always, Matson’s aim is to bargain in good faith toward a timely, fair and equitable agreement,” he said.

If the company and the two unions can’t come to an agreement, other Matson unions are expected to join in the strike.

“There is a history of solidarity on the waterfront,” Lundeberg said. “If it came to a strike situation, which we want to avoid, a lot of people would be involved.”

The unions authorized the negotiation committee to call a strike, if necessary, in June at about the same time they began formal negotiations with Matson.

The last strike called by Sailors Union of the Pacific and the Marine Firemen’s Union was in the 1960s, Lundeberg said.

“There has always been potential for strikes, but those have been worked out through the collective bargaining process,” he said. “We hope that it occurs with this round of bargaining. We just want to be prepared in case it goes south.”

A major reason for the strike is job security for union members.

Lundeberg said Matson is attempting to drive competitor American President Lines Ltd. out of business in the Guam trade.

“It affects our jobs on those other ships,” he said.

APL recently launched two vessels that provide service to Guam and Saipan. American President Lines began service of its APL Saipan at the Port of Guam this year, and its other vessel, APL Guam, began serving Guam a year ago.

A Matson ship arrives at Guam every Tuesday. The ships carry goods from ports in Long Beach and Oakland, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; and Seattle. Matson also provides service to Guam’s neighboring islands of Saipan, Rota, Palau, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Kwajalein, Majuro and Ebeye.

While neither of the APL vessels stops in Hawaii, Lundeberg said Hawaii residents make up the crews.

“All of the people on the two trips on the Guam trade for American President Lines are residents of Hawaii,” he said.