When union members vote to go on strike, an actual walkout follows only infrequently. The vote itself serves a different main function: sending a message of willingness to walk.

That, one assumes, is the case with the strike authorization vote Monday by Unite Here Local 5, the union representing workers at six Marriott-run hotels. The “yea” vote was 95 percent of the total, which communicates that a lot of the 3,500 employees are giving a thumbs-up.

With any luck, that will have everyone sharpening their pencils in the negotiations. A strike is bad news for everyone.

Court should be last word on beachboy dispute

The Judiciary is the state’s ultimate arbiter of legal conflicts, and it has laid down the law in the fracas over the city’s new contract for beachboy concessions. The First Circuit Court has dismissed the case pressed by Star Beachboys, the former contract-holder, against the city and current operators, Dive Oahu.

This is a tough battle, though, including an investigation into arson at the home of the Dive Oahu owner, a harassment report of kerosene poured over surfboards — a lot of bad feelings.

Let’s hope things settle down, but it’s not quite clear that the fight’s over.