Fight Subcontracting: Button-up at Kyo-ya Waikiki hotels
In the last year, Kyo-ya/Marriott has done the following:
- Brought in dozens of workers from a subcontractor to work functions at Sheraton Waikiki as cooks, waiters and dishwashers. This work could have gone to Local 5 members at all of the 4 Waikiki properties. The Union has spoken to many members who were not offered the work opportunity and is moving a class action grievance case.
- Have not committed to returning to the Union work in landscaping (indoor plants) that was outsourced. A class action grievance is also moving on this matter.
- Outsourced around 50 loyal Kyo-ya non-union workers (concierges, tour/activity, and dining desk) 3 weeks after a group of them asked for a fair process to join the Union. They were told to take severance or work for the subcontractor, Pleasant Holidays.
We must deal with these clear violations. The best way to deal with it is with the combined power of our membership. We cannot let subcontracting spread like a cancer. It is difficult to raise a family and find stability living in Hawaii, when we build a standard that allows us to support the ones we love, we must do everything we can to protect that standard. It is time for all Local 5 members to show strength and unity.
“It is very important that Local 5 members band together in unity to fight subcontracting. This is a great way to show we are getting ready for our contract in 2018”, says Evelyn Barnatia, Sheraton Waikiki Housekeeping.
“We must send a strong message to our employers that we will not shrink from defending our working family and our jobs. It may be the concierges today and us next. Everyone is important, everyone has value. The concierges want to join our Union, let’s fight for them”, says Jean Teo-Gibney, Royal Hawaiian Front Desk.
“When we grow our Union we all benefit. We cannot afford non-union standards bringing us down. Our whole hotel should be Union”, says Mike Kirby, Westin Moana Beach Bar.
Union Difference: Medical Benefits
| Group | Cost for family medical |
| Kyo-ya (non-union) (PPP) | $ 381.40 per month, $190.70 per pay check |
| Pleasant Holidays (Kyo-ya concierge transfer) (PPP) | $767.00 per month, $383.50 per pay check |
| Local 5 (Union) | $0 per month, $0 per pay check |
