PO‘IPU — Workers at the Sheraton Kauai Resort recently voted in favor of a new 3-year contract. The agreement was reached between Unite Here! Local 5 and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. Negotiations began late last summer and were
PO‘IPU — Workers at the Sheraton Kauai Resort recently voted in favor of a new 3-year contract.
The agreement was reached between Unite Here! Local 5 and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.
Negotiations began late last summer and were punctuated by demonstrations and rallies at the hotel, during which union members asked for wages on par with those of Sheraton’s Waikiki workers.
“With this agreement, Sheraton has stepped up to the plate to pay for great improvements for Sheraton Kauai workers,” said Local 5 representative Daniel Kerwin in a prepared statement. “In return, our members are motivated to work together with the company in the expansion and improvement of this world-class resort.”
Sheraton Kauai Resort General Manager Angela Vento expressed confidence in the agreement and the staff.
“The negotiation team has worked hard to come up with a great agreement,” she said. “We’re happy to have a good resolution.”
The new agreement brings wages and benefits up to the Waikiki standards for the first time since Hurricane ‘Iniki. The agreement also places Local 5 units on Kaua‘i, Maui and Waikiki under a common expiration date in order to position the hotels for a statewide bargaining effort in 2010, according to the union.
Local 5 says the new agreement includes but is not limited to:
• Continued funding of premium-free comprehensive medical coverage for active workers and retirees.
• A $2.40 wage increase over three years for non-tipped employees, $.70 for tipped employees.
• A 15 percent increase in hourly pension contributions.
• Continued layoff protection from subcontracting.
• Contract language that protects workers’ union contract, jobs, benefits and seniority in the event of a sale.
• Job placement during the construction of the timeshare development and renovation of existing areas.
• Double-time sick leave pay for tipped employees.
• Across-the-board increases in almost every service charge and tip category.
• Housekeeping room drops for heavy checkout days and travel.
• Ninety-six hours of sick leave accrual per year, up from 80 hours.
• Double-time on the next work day if a holiday falls on a scheduled day off.
• Protection for immigrants who are not permanent residents; removal of company rules prohibiting workers from conversing in their native languages.
• Military leave benefits.
• Twelve months of medical coverage, and upon return to work, pension contributions for the entire length of the leave.
