Following a limited strike at several hotels on O’ahu and Kaua’i, Hilton Hawaiian Village workers go on strike. Unlike the previous one, this strike has no end date and will likely continue until the union and management can agree on a new contract. As such, guests can expect major impacts for the foreseeable future.
Unionized workers at many of Hawai’i largest hotels voted to authorize a strike back in August and announced that a strike was imminent. Following that authorization vote, things were quite for a bit. But, then, they held a limited three-day strike during the Labor Day weekend. It was a peculiar move for the union – Unite Here! Local 5 – which hasn’t done limited strikes like this in the past. However, with no new contract five months after negotiations began, Hilton Hawaiian Village workers go on strike, and the union warns that walk outs at the seven other properties with strike authorizations remain possible at any time.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Workers Go On Strike
In an article published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, it seems as if Unite Here! Local 5 is taking an entirely new approach to its negotiations. When talks about a new contract began back in April, they included management from Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Kyo-Ya (owners of the Sheraton Waikīkī, Westin Moana Surfrider, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and Sheraton Princess Ka’iulani).
Despite nearly half a year of negotiations, union leaders and hotel management remain far apart on their terms. Union officials state their demands are, “wages that keep up with inflation and cost of living, proper staffing and fair workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era cuts in guest services and amenities.”
As I mentioned before, I think that last bit is a battle they need to give up on. While I know many still want daily room cleaning and whatnot, there are more guests today than there were before the pandemic that prefer fewer cleanings, too. To force hotels to staff housekeeping at levels required for daily cleaning when that isn’t the norm anymore is ludicrous.
At any rate, with no consensus in sight, Hilton Hawaiian Village workers go on strike to voice their displeasure with the lack of progress. As mentioned earlier, this strike, which began at 5 am on Tuesday, September 24, has no end date. It’ll last as long as the union sees fit. Moreover, as mentioned before, they’re ready to bring the strikes to the other properties, too. As a reminder, other properties that have strike authorizations include:
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort &Spa
- Moana Surfrider — a Westin Resort Spa
- The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
- Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
- Sheraton Waikiki
- Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort &Spa.
- Sheraton Kaua’i Resort
If this should come to pass, especially all at once, things are going to get even more chaotic. Yes, service at these properties will be virtually non-existent, severely degrading the guest experience. But, I’m sure guests will try to book elsewhere, putting pressure on other hotels. Finding rooms at other hotels could get very difficult, as the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Sheraton Waikiki, and Waikiki Beach Marriott are the four largest hotels in Waikīkī.
Final Thoughts
As Hilton Hawaiian Village workers go on strike, and with the prospect of the strike expanding to the other properties named above, you really ought to reconsider any stays you have at these properties coming up in the next month or two. If I were you and you’re able to, I’d seriously consider booking elsewhere, such as the Hyatt Centric Waikiki, the Alohilani Resort, and the Ritz-Carlton Residence Waikiki, among others. But, it you can’t change your plans and a strike is happening or begins at your hotel, be prepared to wait in lines for hours and to do all your own housekeeping, including linen changes and supply replenishments.