Archive for category: Updates

View PDF version of Marriott Strike Day 22 bulletin here.

View all photos from Marriott Strike Day 21.

Negotiations Update: In the two days of local bargaining, we completed bargaining on banquets, restaurant/bar, bell and valet department issues. We also had a breakthrough in discussions about subcontracting, including advance notice to the Union before subcontracting, union or aribitrator’s approval needed to implement, and triple damages for violations. This movement on subcontracting is incredibly important for our job security. Talks continue today and tomorrow in Vegas. Obviously, we need to see what the company is prepared to do on housekeeping, automation, and our economics. Let’s keep raising the pressure! We are winning!!

Financial Difficulties? We are entering week 4 of the strike, and know that finances are getting tight. First step is to reach out directly to your financial institutions, landlord, etc. Many are willing to grant hardship waivers that don’t affect your credit. Some Kyo-ya strikers have already secured waivers. This is the MOST important step. If you still have difficulties, then visit a free financial advisor at Strike HQ, Monday, 10/29 from 1p-5p OR at the Hotel and Travel FCU, 8am-4:30p.

“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” —Mattie Stepanek

News coverage:

• Honolulu Star-Advertiser: “Strike might affect dentists’ return for isle convention”
• Hawaii News Now: “Hotel strike day 21: Noise still ticking off visitors, though some understand”
• eTurboNews: “Hawaii Hotel Strike Ongoing: Marriott Kyo-ya picket lines 24/7 and strong”

View PDF version of Marriott Strike Day 20 bulletin here.

View all photos from Marriott Strike Day 19.

Negotiations:
We kicked off negotiations with Marriott and Kyo-ya yesterday. Negotiations will continue today. On Monday and Tuesday, leaders from each of the locals will be bargaining with Marriott. Let’s keep the lines strong and stay focused on the issues that are most important to us—job security and making one job enough to live in Hawaii.

More community and political support:

• Senator Mazie Hirono visited our picket lines to show her support. She shared with us that her immigrant mother worked 2 jobs, so she supports our One Job Should Be Enough campaign.
• Sierra Club and Academic Labor United joined our picket lines.
• Guests, community supporters, and labor unions continue to donate to our strike fund!

Spreading our message:
We are continuing to expand picketing to the Ritz Carlton Waikiki, HiEmployment, and PWC. We also leafleted at the airport to inform arriving visitors about our strike.

News coverage:

• The Guardian: “‘One job should be enough’: Marriott hotel workers’ strike hits eight US cities”
• Hawaii News Now: “Union for striking hotel workers, management return to bargaining table”
• KHON: “Local businesses hope for resolution between Kyo-ya and Local 5”
• Big Island Now: “Sen. Hirono Joins Picket Line Outside Waikīkī Hotel”

View PDF version of Marriott Strike Day 18 bulletin here.

View all photos from Marriott Strike Day 17.

Strikers in Waikiki & Maui FaceTime with Strikers on the Mainland. Each of our picket lines got to FaceTime with others Marriott workers in San Francisco and Boston. We are united in our message that one job should be enough, and now we’re united via technology!

National Update. At this point, 7,700 Marriott workers are on strike in eight cities: Detroit, Boston, Oakland, Honolulu, Lahaina, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. After our local bargaining on October 26th and 27th, we have 2 more days of national bargaining on October 29th & 30th to continue discussions about issues like automation, technology, and F&B.

Report Out of Yesterday’s Committee Meeting. The committee leaders worked hard and focused their discussions on job security, solid wage increases, protection of our benefits, and other top priorities. We will be prepared to move quickly in bargaining, as long as the company is prepared to make serious proposals. We must stay strong and keep fighting for the priority items. We will give updates on the picket lines as things move in negotiations—we will keep the lines going!

Other highlights:

• Honolulu City Council candidate Tommy Waters visited our picket lines to show his support.
• Members of Faith Action for Community Equity, including clergy and laity, held a vigil at the Moana Surfrider. Clergy went inside the hotel to speak with management.
• Strikers visited workers at the Hilton Garden Inn to thank them for their support and encourage their continued support.
• Thanks to the owners of Quezada’s for donating quesadillas to our picket lines!

News coverage:

• Maui Time: “Recognize Filipino-American History Month by supporting Sheraton Maui workers on strike”
• Vox: “Why nearly 8,000 Marriott workers are striking in 8 cities”