Ilikai workers strike, call for better working conditions
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Ilikai workers went on strike this morning. Richelle Rodero-Miyasato, middle, a guest service agent for 14 years was picketing in front of the hotel.
COURTESY UNITE HERE! LOCAL 5
Ilikai Hotel workers walked the picket line today in Waikiki.
More than 60 hospitality workers of Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites in Waikiki began a one-day strike this morning calling for better working conditions.
Sixty-three union workers that include housekeepers, guests services, engineers and valet walked off the job at 6 a.m. today, according to Unite Here! Local Five spokeswoman Paola Rodelas.
“They get paid less and work more,” Rodelas said.
Union workers at the Ilikai are paid $3.51 an hour less than union hotel workers at the nearby Hilton Hawaiian Village, The Modern Honolulu and Ramada Plaza Waikiki.
Rodelas said Ilikai housekeepers are tasked with cleaning larger hotel rooms with full-sized kitchens and bellmen are doing the work of engineers because of short staff.
Ilikai is a mixed-use building with hotel rooms and residential units.
Local 5 represents approximately 11,000 workers in the hospital, healthcare and food service industries.
