Hotel workers vote to strike at several of Waikiki’s biggest hotels

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Nearly 5,000 unionized hotel workers in Waikiki voted to strike on Thursday to pressure Waikiki’s largest hotels into better contracts, according to Unite Here Local 5.

Members said that after months of negotiations, they are tired of being ignored by the offshore hotel owners and mainland operators.

Workers are asking for raises that keep up with inflation, Hawaii’s high cost of living, safe workloads, and proper staffing.

Members of Unite Here Local 5 authorized a strike against the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the Hyatt, Moana Surfrider, The Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Kaiulani, Sheraton Waikiki, and the Marriott.

The union said workers have not gotten a raise in two years to meet rising inflation and want better staffing conditions.

“I am ready to strike for wages that allow me to take care of my family and proper staffing that allows me to take care of guests,” Rachel Santos, a hostess at the Moana Surfrider said.

“I love my job, and I love my family, so I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them both.”

According to a recent survey of nearly 4,000 Local 5 workers, 76% couldn’t afford an unexpected $500 bill. Plus, 78% of workers believe their employers took advantage of the pandemic to cut payroll and make changes that were not beneficial to them.

The union says the strike could be called at any time.

The hotels have no responded to HNN’s requests for comments.

This story may be updated.