Hilton strike
Striking Hilton Hawaiian Village workers crossed the street at the resort’s main entrance yesterday. Hundreds of the hotel’s 1,500 unionized workers, members of Unite Here Local 5, walked picket lines on the first day of a planned five-day strike.
Hilton employees Bobbie Palencia, left, and Michi Wong spoke to visitors Marty and Karen Threlkeld about the workers’ concerns. Palencia has worked for 15 years at the Hilton’s front desk.
A strike at Waikiki’s largest resort could put a dent in the state’s nascent economic recovery, which has been led by growing tourist arrivals.
Few in Hawaii welcomed the news that union workers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa walked off the job yesterday for five days. At least one mainland group said it might cancel its convention next month because of the labor dispute.
Unite Here Local 5 said it wants more job security for 1,500 Hilton workers fearful that outsourcing and subcontracting by a new Wall Street owner will eliminate positions. Hilton says it has offered to increase wages and health fund contributions but that the union’s demands are unrealistic.
Things got a little ugly on the picket line when a van of replacement workers arrived, and the pickets yelled "scab" and slapped the side of the vehicle.
Meanwhile, some guests had no choice but to make their own beds, carry their own bags and park their own cars. The hotel posted a notice that informed them they could find fresh linens and towels in the hallways but not to bother calling room service. It’s closed.
