Union vows to sue Hawaiian Telcom

The union representing Hawaiian Telcom workers said Wednesday it will go to court in an attempt to block the company’s plan to implement terms of a contract offer that union members rejected last week.

Hawaiian Telcom, which has been embroiled in a labor dispute with IBEW Local 1357 since August, said it would implement what it called "new terms of employment" beginning on Jan. 1 to ensure that modifications to employee benefits would apply for the 2012 calendar year.

Union members have twice voted down contract offers from Hawaiian Telcom management.

The most recent offer, rejected by a vote of 283-216 on Dec. 13, included a reduction in paid sick leave to 10 weeks from 26 weeks a year, and an increase in an employee’s contribution to health care premiums. Employees, who currently pay nothing for health care, would contribute 5 percent of the premium cost in 2012 and 10 percent in 2013.

Hawaiian Telcom’s most recent offer included a 1 percent annual wage increase, which the company said it will pay to employees retroactive to Dec. 18.

A $500 ratification bonus that the company had offered to each employee for each of the three years of the contract will not be paid because the contract offer was rejected, according to the company.

Changes to retirement benefits that include a freezing of the defined benefit pension plan combined with an enhanced 401(k) match by the company will occur March 1.

"With mutual agreement and ratification of a new CBA (collective bargaining agreement) not achievable at this time, both sides recognize a need to move forward and work responsibly while ‘agreeing to disagree’ on certain collective bargaining issues and seeking to resolve differences through other means," the company said in a news release.

Scott Long, business manager for IBEW Local 1357, told members in a note on the IBEW’s website that the union planned to file a lawsuit against the company.

"As we have shared with the membership, litigation would be our next step," Long wrote.

"As we litigate this issue I would ask that our members continue to provide great customer service and to be safe during this difficult time. 

"We thank you for your patience."