Monday’s union vote at the Princeville Hotel produced no clear majority among the three entities on the ballot, requiring a runoff between the hotel and one of the two unions vying to represent the workers. Local 142 of International Longshore
Monday’s union vote at the Princeville Hotel produced no clear majority among the three entities on the ballot, requiring a runoff between the hotel and one of the two unions vying to represent the workers.
Local 142 of International Longshore and Warehouse Union took home the most votes with 114, followed by the employer, or no union, with 86 votes.
Unite Here! Local 5 came in last with 62.
Of the 320 eligible voters, 262 cast valid ballots, according to the National Labor Relations Board, which governs union-employer interaction. There were eight challenged ballots, though the number was not enough to affect the election results for either party.
Thomas Cestare, officer-in-charge of the Honolulu National Labor Relations Board, said the unions have up to seven days to contest the results. If there are no objections at that point, the results will be certified.
Pending certification, a runoff between ILWU and the hotel will be scheduled.
Despite being pushed out of the running, Local 5 spokesman Cade Watanabe affirmed Local 5’s commitment to the Princeville workers.
“We remain steadfast and confident that we will be able to deliver on our commitments,” Watanabe said via e-mail.
As of yesterday evening, no decision had been made as to whether Local 5 will contest the results.
Princeville Hotel General Manager Kelly Hoen, in a prepared statement, said the hotel appreciates the support from its associates and will continue to communicate with them about their options.
“We are proud of our relationship with our associates and regardless of the final outcome we will continue to provide a positive and supportive work environment,” reads Hoen’s statement.
According to Tracy Takano, ILWU Kaua‘i representative, the union also plans to continue talks with workers about unionizing in preparation for the runoff.
“Our focus right now is really to have the runoff election as soon as possible,” Takano said yesterday.
Local 142 of ILWU is the state’s largest private sector union with a strong concentration in hotels, including the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa locally and two Starwood properties on Neighbor Islands.
Employee interest in organizing was prompted, in part, by plans to renovate the Princeville Hotel and upgrade it from parent company Starwood’s Luxury Collection to its St. Regis brand. As a result, workers anticipate change and new responsibilities, according to union representatives.
ILWU first approached Princeville workers two years ago, though the initial election between ILWU and the hotel was not scheduled until last month.
Local 5 intervened on the ballot leading up to that date, and the vote was rescheduled to Sept. 24.
• Blake Jones, business writer/assistant editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or bjones@kauaipubco.com.
